Posts Tagged ‘Fantasy Baseball’

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 Wavier Wire – Week 13

Posted by Tony Mancini on June 23rd, 2011

With more injuries occurring in week 13 of the fantasy baseball season, a handful of players now have an opportunity to play regularly. Here is the waiver wire for week 13 to get you caught up on the latest news.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

SP – Brandon Beachy (ATL) – Beachy came off the disabled list after an oblique injury to make the start on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays and continued to dominate with 11 strikeouts. Beachy now has a 2 – 1 record with 57 strikeouts over 50 innings. There is a chance that leagues with a shallow reserve squad may have him sitting on the waiver wire.

SP - John Lannan (WAS) – Tough to recommend a Washington Nationals pitcher but Lannan has pitched very well of late, allowing two runs or less in six consecutive starts. On the season, Lannan has a 5 – 5 record with a 3.40 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 92 2/3 innings.

American League:

OF - Justin Ruggiano (TB) – Ruggiano has been splitting time in the Tampa Bay Rays outfield since Sam Fuld cooled down and should continue to split time. He has struggled over his last four games but is still hitting .333 with three home runs and 10 RBI this season.

OF – Josh Reddick and Darnell McDonald (BOS) – With Carl Crawford on the disabled list with a leg injury, Reddick and McDonald will be splitting Crawford’s at-bats until he returns. McDonald himself just returned from the disabled list right before the Crawford injury so his current statistics are not appealing but McDonald did hit .345 with two home runs and 11 RBI over 29 at-bats over nine games during his rehab assignment. Reddick only has 21 at-bats with the Sox so far but he is hitting over .400.

SS - Eduardo Nunez (NYY) – With Derek Jeter on the disabled list, Nunez is playing everyday until he returns. Nunez has eight hits and four RBI in the seven games since Jeter has been out of action. Nunez also has played nine games at third base and four at second.

National League:

OF - Emilio Bonifacio & Dewayne Wise (FLA) – Chris Coghlan was demoted after struggling all season. Dewayne Wise was called up to take his roster spot and will split time with Bonifacio. Since Bonifacio has been with the Marlins all year, I would expect him to receive the majority of the playing time. Bonifacio has also logged 21 games at short, eight at third and three at second base.

1B - Mark Hamilton (STL) – With Albert Pujols out for at least six weeks with a fractured wrist, the Cardinals called up Hamilton to take his roster spot. Lance Berkman will take over at first and Jon Jay will take over in the outfield until Pujols returns, but Hamilton could receive a couple of starts at first especially if Berkman’s nagging injuries act up. Hamilton is a career .281 hitter in the minors.

 

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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 Two Start Pitchers – Week 12

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 12th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 12 of the major league baseball season, covering June 13 – June 19.

2 start pitchers week 12: 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:

Gavin Floyd (CHW) ~ @MIN (Pavano), @ARI (Collmenter)
Justin Verlander (DET) ~ CLE (Masterson), @COL (Cook)
Dan Haren (LAA) ~ @SEA (Vargas), @NYM (Niese)
CC Sabathia (NYY) ~ TEX (Ogando), @CHC (Wells)
James Shields (TB) ~ BOS (Wakefield), FLA (Volstad)
Alexi Ogando (TEX) ~ @NYY (Sabathia), @ATL (Jurrjens)

Roll the Dice:

Tim Wakefield (BOS) ~ @TB (Shields), MIL (Gallardo)
Justin Masterson (CLE) ~ @DET (Verlander), PIT (Karstens)
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) ~ @NYY (Burnett), PIT (Maholm)
Carl Pavano (MIN) ~ CWS (Floyd), SD (Bass)
A.J. Burnett (NYY) ~ CLE (Carrasco), @CHC (Dempster)
Josh Outman (OAK) ~ KC (Duffy), SF (Cain)
Jason Vargas (SEA) ~ LAA (Haren), PHI (Kendrick)
Alex Cobb (TB) ~ @DET (Coke), FLA (Nolasco)
Carlos Villanueva (TOR) ~ BAL (Jakubauskas), @CIN (Arroyo)

Masterson is 0-4 in his last eight starts and has not won since April 26th. He still has good numbers for the season with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Villanueva is 3-0 since moving into the starting rotation with 14 strikeouts in 22 1.3 innings. Cobb is on the fence as a starter with the lack of control he has shown so far in the major leagues. He had a 1.14 ERA in Triple-A with 50 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings. Pavano has two home starts next week where he has been a much better pitcher with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Outman has been solid in three of his four starts since being recalled from the minor leagues and gets two home starts next week. Burnett had three good starts in a row before getting blasted for seven runs by the Boston Red Sox in his last outing. Carrasco has won four of his last five starts and tossed 8 1/3 shutout innings in his last outing. Wakefield is 3-0 in his last four outings though he will face two tough opposing pitchers next week.

Sit Them:

Chris Jakubauskas (BAL) ~ @TOR (Villanueva), @WAS (Maya)
Phil Coke (DET) ~ TB (Cobb), @COL (Jimenez)
Danny Duffy (KC) ~ @OAK (Outman), @STL (Garcia)

Duffy looks like he is still a year away with 17 walks and 18 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings and opposing hitters batting .309 against him. Coke lost his first start after coming off the disabled list, allowing 13 baserunners and four runs in five innings. With a tough second start at Colorado next week, I would keep him benched.

National League:

Start them:

Jair Jurrjens (ATL) ~ NYM (Niese), TEX (Ogando)
Cole Hamels (PHI) ~ FLA (Volstad), @SEA (Vargas)
Jeff Karstens (PIT) ~ @HOU (Norris), @CLE (Masterson)
Matt Cain (SF) ~ @ARI (Collmenter), @OAK (Outman)
Jaime Garcia (STL) ~ @WAS (Maya), KC (Duffy)

Roll the Dice:

Josh Collmenter (ARI) ~ SF (Cain), CWS (Floyd)
Derek Lowe (ATL) ~ @HOU (Rodriguez), TEX (Harrison)
Ryan Dempster (CHC) ~ MIL (Wolf), NYY (Burnett)
Ricky Nolasco (FLA) ~ ARI (Duke), @TB (Cobb)
Bud Norris (HOU) ~ PIT (Karstens), @LAD (Kuroda)
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) ~ ATL (Lowe), @LAD (De La Rosa)
Hiroka Kuroda (LAD) ~ CIN (Arroyo), HOU (Norris)
Randy Wolf (MIL) ~ @CHC (Dempster), @BOS (Lester)
Yovani Gallardo (MIL) ~ @CHC (Wells), @BOS (Wakefield)
Jonathon Niese (NYM) ~ @ATL (Jurrjens), LAA (Haren)
Paul Maholm (PIT) ~ NYM (Pelfrey), @CLE (Carrasco)

Maholm has pitched better this season but is still finding wins hard to come by despite his improved numbers due to a lack of offensive support. Kuroda is on a four game losing streak but was better in his last two outings, allowing three runs in 11 1/3 innings.  Norris has allowed two runs or less in three of his last four starts and has won two starts in a row. Lowe has not won in more than a month, though he has been pitching better in June 2.13 ERA and .95 WHIP vs. May 4.86 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. Niese has allowed two runs or less in five consecutive starts, lowering his overall ERA by 1.5 runs. Gallardo had won six straight starts before lasting only four innings against the New York Mets in his last appearance. Rodriguez returns from the disabled list as a two start pitcher. He was rolling before the injury, allowing three runs or less in five straight starts. Dempster has been better at Wrigley Field where he has a 4.76 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. He has yet to face the Brewers this year, but posted a 2.23 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in five starts against them last year.

Sit Them:

Zach Duke (ARI) ~ @FLA (Nolasco), CWS (Humber)
Randy Wells (CHC) ~ MIL (Gallardo), NYY (Sabathia)
Bronson Arroyo (CIN) ~ @LAD (Kuroda), TOR (Villanueva)
Aaron Cook (COL) ~ SD (Bass), DET (Verlander)
Chris Volstad (FLA) ~ @PHI (Hamels), @TB (Shields)
Mike Pelfrey (NYM) ~ @PIT (Maholm), LAA (Chatwood)
Anthony Bass (SD) ~ @COL (Cook), @MIN (Pavano)
Yunesky Maya (WAS) ~ STL (Garcia), BAL (Jakubauskas)

Bass moves into the rotation for the San Diego Padres with Aaron Harang going on the disabled list. Bass had a 3.53 ERA in AA with 60 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings and had one start at Triple-A where he allowed one run in five innings with three strikeouts. I need to see a few more starts from Duke before I believe he is a different pitcher than previous seasons. His improved control and lack of home runs allowed in three starts is no guarantee going forward. Maya has made it to six innings in only two of eight career starts and is too hittable with little control at this point. Pelfrey seemed to be turning things around in May with a 3.09 ERA and 1.06 WHIP but got pummeled in his first June start, allowing seven runs in five innings. Volstad has not won since April 26th and has been more homer prone in 2011.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 11

Posted by Tony Mancini on June 8th, 2011

Lots of action to be had on the waiver wire this week with multiple prospects getting promoted from the minor leagues. Here is a look at some of the key players to target to help improve your fantasy baseball team.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

1B – Anthony Rizzo (SD) – Rizzo was recalled from the minor leagues by the San Diego padres and will take over as the starting first basemen immediately. It was also good news to hear manager Bud Black say the left-handed hitting Rizzo will not be platooned so he will see plenty of action. Rizzo was hitting .365 in Triple-A with 16 home runs and 63 RBI.

SS – Dee Gordon (LAD) – With Rafael Furcal on the disabled list, Gordon has a chance to showcase his glove and his speed for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In four seasons in the minor leagues, Gordon has over 166 stolen bases and stole a base in his first start yesterday. Gordon has a career .299 batting average in the minors but has displayed little power with a total of seven home runs.

SS - Cliff Pennington (OAK) – Pennington seems to be turning it around getting hits in six of his last seven games, bringing his average up to .260. Pennington is a good source for stolen bases. He only has five on the year so far but had 29 last year in his rookie season.

American League:

OE – Endy Chavez (TEX) – News that Julio Bourbon was sent to Triple-A after being activated from the disabled list shows the Texas Rangers are believing in Chavez’s resurgent season. Chavez is currently hitting over .400 with two home runs and six RBI over 15 games and 52 at-bats. Ride Chavez while he is hot. If you have an open roster spot, keep Bourbon although there are now trade rumors since his demotion. I would also grab Craig Gentry who was mentioned a couple of weeks ago in this article for his speed and will be a lefty platoon partner for Chavez.

2B – Cord Phelps (CLEV) – With Orlando Cabrera and Jack Hannahan struggling over the last few weeks, the Indians called up Phelps who will likely play both second and third base. Phelps was hitting .299 with seven home runs and 40 RBI before his promotion from Triple-A.

2B – Jemile Weeks (OAK) – With Mark Ellis on the disabled list the Oakland Athletics called up their 2008 first round pick. Weeks was hitting .321 with three home runs and ten stolen bases in 184 at-bats in Triple A

OF/1B Mike Carp (SEA) – Carp was called up after hitting .350 with 19 home runs and 58 RBI in 56 games in Triple A. With Mike Wilson being sent down, Carp should split time with Carlos Peguro in left field.

National League:

OF – Chris Denorfia (SD) – Denorfia has been leading off for the San Diego Padres over the last couple of weeks and has done well in that role. Denorfia is hitting .300 with four home runs and 19 runs scored in 129 at-bats.

OF – Xavier Paul (PIT) – With Garrett Jones struggling badly this year after a breakout year in 2010, Paul has played his way into a more consistent role with the Pirates. Paul is hitting .290 with six stolen bases in part time duty.

SP – Aaron Cook (COL) – Cook is making his season debut tonight for the Colorado Rockies after missing the first part of the season after fracturing his ring finger in spring training. With few NL pitchers on the waiver wire at this point in the season, Cook is worth checking out.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 11

Posted by Todd Lammi on June 4th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 11 of the major league baseball season, covering June 6 – June 12.

2 start pitchers week 11: 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:

Gio Gonzalez (OAK) ~ @BAL (Matusz), @CWS (Peavy)
Michael Pineda (SEA) ~ @CWS (Danks), @DET (Scherzer)
Felix Hernandez (SEA) ~ @CWS (Humber), @DET (Porcello)
David Price (TB) ~ @LAA (Chatwood), @BAL (Matusz)
Colby Lewis (TEX) ~ DET (Scherzer), @MIN (Baker)

Roll the Dice:

Brian Matusz (BAL) ~ OAK (Gonzalez), TB (Price
Jon Lester (BOS) ~ @NYY (Garcia), @TOR (Drabek)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) ~ MIN (Baker), @NYY (Garcia)
Max Scherzer (DET) ~ @TEX (Lewis), SEA (Pineda)
Rick Porcello (DET) ~ @TEX (Harrison), SEA (Hernandez)
Freddy Garcia (NYY) ~ BOS (Lester), CLE (Tomlin)
Anthony Swarzak (MIN) ~ @CLE (Carrasco), TEX (Harrison)
Scott Baker (MIN) ~ @CLE (Tomlin), TEX (Lewis)
Guillermo Moscoso (OAK) ~ @BAL (Matusz), @CWS (Danks)
Matt Harrison (TEX) ~ DET (Porcello), @MIN (Swarzak)
Brandon Morrow (TOR) ~ @KC (Paulino), BOS (Lackey)

Morrow piled up strikeouts in May with 41 in 32 2/3 innings, but was much more hittable, allowing a .271 batting average against. Harrison has tossed 14 1/3 scoreless innings over his last two starts and has allowed five runs in his last 27 1/3 innings. Baker is 0-2 over his last five starts, despite striking out 32 in 28 1/3 innings. He has performed much better on the road where he has a 3.41 ERA and 1.21 WHIP vs. 4.96 and 1.59 at home. Garcia has won two starts in a row. He lost to Boston earlier in the season when he allowed four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. Porcello has won four of his last five starts but has two tough matchups next weel. He won at Seattle earlier in the season, allowing one run in 6 2/3 innings. Scherzer had been sailing along for most of the saeason before allowing seven runs in each of his last two starts. He faced both Texas and Seattle earlier in the year, allowing two runs in six innings in both of those outings.

Sit Them:

John Danks (CHW) ~ SEA (Pineda), OAK (Moscoso)
Felipe Paulino (KC) ~ TOR (Morrow), @LAA (Santana)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) ~ TB (Price), KC (TBD)
Kyle Drabek (TOR) ~ @KC (TBD), BOS (Lester)

Danks is 0-8 on the season and has been the victim of the long ball of late, allowing five home runs in his last two starts.
Chatwood’s ERA is too much of a killer to take two starts from him in a week, thanks to 34 walks allowed in 64 1/3 innings. Drabek’s control is not good enough to make his successful yet with 45 walks in 63 1/3 innings.

National League:

Start them:

Tommy Hanson (ATL) ~ @FLA (TBD), @HOU (Myers)
Shaun Marcum (MIL) ~ NYM (Capuano), STL (Westbrook)
Zack Greinke (MIL) ~ @FLA (Vazquez), STL (Carpenter)
Roy Oswalt (PHI) ~ LAD (De La Rosa), CHC (Davis)
Cliff Lee (PHI) ~ LAD (Lilly), CHC (Garza)
Jordan Zimmermann (WAS) ~ @SF (Sanchez), @SD (Stauffer)
Tim Lincecum (SF) ~ WAS (Lannan), CIN (Reineke)

Roll the Dice:

Daniel Hudson (ARI) ~ @PIT (Correia), @FLA (TBD)
Matt Garza (CHC) ~ @CIN (Reineke), @PHI (Lee)
Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) ~ @SD (Stauffer), LAD (TBD)
Tim Stauffer (SD) ~ COL (Jimenez), WAS (Zimmermann)
Kevin Correia (SD) ~ ARI (Hudson), NYM (Capuano)
Clayton Richard (SD) ~ COL (Mortensen), WAS (Lannan)
Mike Leake (STL) ~ CHC (Davis), @SF (Sanchez)
Jake Westbrook (STL) ~ @HOU (Myers), @MIL (Marcum)
Jonathan Sanchez (SF) ~ WAS (Zimmermann), CIN (Leake)
John Lannan (WAS) ~ @SF (Lincecum), @SD (Richard)

Sanchez has allowed three runs or less in five consecutvie starts, though he only has one win to show for it. Jimenez seems to have his control back on track after walking to batters in his last 15 innings. Lannan is working on 13 scoreless innings over his last two starts and worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings against San Diego tqo starts ago and allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Ginats earlier in the season. Westbrook is 3-0 in his last four starts and has been a better pitcher on the road this season. Unlike most Padres pitchers, Stauffer has pitched worse at PETCO Park this season with a 4.41 ERA and 1.53 WHIP vs. 3.62 and 1.26 on the road. Richard has been winless at home this season, but his numbers have been solid with a 2.42 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Leake has pitched better since coming back to the Cincinnati Reds rotation with four runs allowed in 12 innings. Hudson is 3-0 in his last four starts, though he allowed four runs in seven innings in his last start against the Florida Marlins.

Sit Them:

Doug Davis (CHC) ~ @CIN (Leake), @PHI (Oswalt)
Chad Reineke (CIN) ~ CHC (Garza), @SF (Lincecum)
Clayton Mortsensen (COL) ~ @SD (Richard), LAD (Lilly)
Javier Vazquez (FLA) ~ MIL (Greinke), ARI (Kennedy)
Brett Myers (HOU) ~ STL (Westbrook), ATL (Hanson)
Chris Capuano (NYM) ~ @MIL (Marcum), @PIT (Correia)

Myers has been too easy to hit this season and too homer prone, with 15 long balls allowed in 74 2/3 innings. Capuano took a loss in his last start which was against the Pirates, allowing five runs in six innings. Mortensen could be losing his spot in the Rockies rotation when Aaron Cook returns from the disabled list this week.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 10

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 30th, 2011

The Kansas City Royals finally made a move with struggling closer Joakim Soria by removing him from the ninth inning role and replacing him with Aaron Crow. Soria blew his fifth save of the season on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels, giving him three blown saves in the last seven days. With his lack of strikeouts as well as his lack of command, it seems like there has to be an injury lurking for such a drastic drop off in performance. Crow has a 1.33 ERA on the season with a 1.04 WHIP and has struck out 26 in 27 innings.

Jon Rauch and Octavio Dotel should be in line for some save chances this week for the Toronto Blue Jays after Frank Francisco blew two save chances last week, allowing three runs in 1 1/3 innings. Francisco has a 6.59 ERA on the season with a 1.61 WHIP. Rauch picked up a save last Friday against the Chicago White Sox and will likely get the first shot at a save chance this week.

Kevin Gregg looks to be living on borrowed time in Baltimore with a 1.77 WHIP thanks to 18 walks against 15 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings of work. He has walked six hitters in his last three innings with one strikeout and while he has not blown a save since May 16th, it is going to be hard to prevent that from happening in the future with the current state of his control. I would be looking to grab Koji Uehara if he is still a free agent as he would be next in line for saves. Uehara has a 2.78 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP this season and 28 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.

If you anticipate needing another closer later in the season, you should start looking to reserve candidates now on your bench in you have the space. With the San Diego Padres playing sub .500 baseball, Heath Bell will likely be traded before the deadline which puts guys like Mike Adams (1.46 ERA, .73 WHIP), Ernesto Frieri (2.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and Luke Gregerson (2.63 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) in the mix for saves.

The same holds true for the New York Mets where Francisco Rodriguez could be moved if the Mets try to shed payroll, though the options are a little more murky than with the Padres. Taylor Buchholz (3.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP), Pedro Beato (2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) or even veteran Jason Isringhausen (3.12 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) could see save opportunities if a deal goes down.

Week 9 Closer Stats – American League Saves:

Jordan Walden – 4
Brandon League – 3

Week 9 Closer Stats – National League Saves:

J.J. Putz – 4
Heath Bell – 3
Craig Kimbrel – 3

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Lineup Planner – Week 10

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 29th, 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 10 (May 30 – June 5)  of the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

American League:

The trade of Scott Sizemore by the Detroit Tigers to the Oakland A’s this week was done in hopes of jump starting Ryan Raburn’s bat by moving him to the infield. The deal puts Sizemore in Triple-A for now as the team will work him out at third base since the A’s brass are in love with Mark Ellis’ defense at second. Raburn went 0-for-4 on Sunday with three strikeouts and is now hitting .195 for the season.

Andy Dirks homered for the second time of the week on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox and is worth using in mixed formats if you are short an outfielder for this week, though he will see starts primarily against right-handed pitching. Keep in mind though that once Magglio Ordonez returns from the disabled list, Dirks goes to the bench or to the minor leagues.

Grady Sizemore of the Cleveland Indians has gotten off to a slow start since returning from injury, going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts, including striking out in all four at bats on Sunday. If you have other options for your lineup, I would consider sitting Sizemore for the week.

David Murphy looks to be the odd man out in the Texas offense with the return of Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz from the disabled list and Julio Borbon close to coming back to action as well.

Andy Oliver is an option if you need a starting pitcher in AL-only leagues while Phil Coke is on the disabled list for the Detroit Tigers. Oliver got the start on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox and went six innings, allowing three runs with three strikeouts. Oliver’s next start will come on the road against the Chicago White Sox.

Frank Francisco has blown saves in back-to-back outings for the Toronto Blue Jays, making him only 5-for-8 in save chances this season. Jon Rauch should see some save chances next week after picking up a save on Friday as could Octavio Dotel.

National League:

I touted Juan Miranda in one of my previous columns now that Russell Branyan is out of the picture in Arizona and Miranda responded with a two home run game on Friday with four RBI. I definitely think he is an option in mixed league formats if you are looking for some power.

Very happy to see Eric Young Jr. back with the Colorado Rockies, not just because he is on one of my NL -only teams but he is the type of leadoff hitter the Colorado Rockies need to give their offense a spark. Since Young had been playing outfield in Triple-A (where he his .363 with 17 steals), he should see full-time action with the Rockies filling in for Seth Smith and Dexter Fowler in the outfield and for Jonathan Herrera at second base. This is of course based on Young hitting and getting on base where he can put his speed to use.

Logan Forsythe looks like he is going to get first crack to replace Orlando Hudson at second base for the San Diego Padres while Hudson is out with injury. Forsythe got the start again on Sunday and went 1-for-4 with a run scored while batting eighth in the order. Forsythe was hitting .270 at Triple-A with five home runs, 21 RBI and three steals when he was recalled.

It doesn’t look like Brandon Belt is going to get much action for the San Francisco Giants as he has started just one of three games since being recalled from Triple-A. The Giants have too many veterans and options in the outfield at this point for Belt to get consistent playing time.

Jordan Lyles replaces Wandy Rodriguez (DL) in the rotation for the Houston Astros and becomes a two start pitcher in week 10. Lyles had a 3.20 ERA in 10 starts in Triple-A with 41 strikeouts in 59 innings and had allowed three runs in his last 20 2/3 innings.

Tom Gorzelanny was placed on the disabled list by the Washington Nationals and replaced in the rotation by Yunesky Maya who got the start on Sunday. Maya lasted 4 2/3 innings allowing four runs on six hits, three walks and no strikeouts. I would stay away from Maya in NL-only formats.

To help set your pitching rotation for next week, check out the week 10, two start pitchers.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 10

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 28th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week 10 of the major league baseball season, covering May 30 – June 5.

2 start pitchers week 10: 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:

Jon Lester (BOS) ~ CWS (Peavy), OAK (Cahil)
Jake Peavy (CHC) ~ @BOS (Lester), DET (Penny)
Trevor Cahill (OAK) ~ NYY (Colon), @BOS (Lester)
C.J. Wilson (TEX) ~ @TB (Sonnanstine), @CLE (Talbot)

Roll the Dice:

Jake Arrieta (BAL) ~ @SEA (Fister), TOR (Reyes)
Brad Penny (DET) ~ MIN (Blackburn), @CWS (Danks)
Ervin Santana (LAA) ~ @KC (Hochevar), NYY (Colon)
Nick Blackburn (MIN) ~ @DET (Penny), @KC (Hochevar)
Bartolo Colon (NYY) ~ @OAK (Cahill), @LAA (Santana)
Doug Fister (SEA) ~ BAL (Arrieta), TB (Davis)
Erik Bedard (SEA) ~ BAL (Guthrie), TB (Sonnanstine)
Derek Holland (TEX) ~ @TB (Davis), @CLE (Carmona)

Colon has been trending the wrong direction of late, going winless in his last five starts though he will be facing two lighter hitting offenses in his two starts next week. Holland has two road starts next week where he has performed better this season with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Two home starts for Fister make him a play where he has a 2.81 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Bedard has been coming on strong with five straight outings of two runs allowed or less including back-to-back scoreless starts. Blackburn is 3-0 in his last five starts, allowing two runs or less in each of them with 21 strikeouts. Penny is 3-1 in his last four starts and tossed seven shutout innings against the White Sox earlier this season. Arrieta has allowed three runs or less in eight of his past nine starts and has improved his strikeout rate in his last five outings with 31 whiffs in 28 2/3 innings.

Sit Them:

Fausto Carmona (CLE) ~ @TOR (Reyes), TEX (Holland)
Mitch Talbot (CLE) ~ @TOR (Morrow), TEX (Wilson)
Luke Hochevar (KC) ~ LAA (Santana), MIN (Blackburn)
Jeff Francis (KC) ~ LAA (Pineiro), MIN (Duensing)
Brian Duensing (MIN) ~ @DET (Scherzer), @KC (Francis)
Andy Sonnanstine (TB) ~ TEX (Wilson), @SEA (Bedard)
Wade Davis (TB) ~ TEX (Holland), @SEA (Fister)
Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR) ~ CLE (Carmona), @BAL (Arrieta)

You are not going to get much in the way of strikeouts from Sonnastine with only eight in 25 2/3 innings this season. He also faces Texas in his first start which could lead to a pounding. Davis has saw his ERA skyrocket a full run over his last four starts thanks to seven home runs allowed and the Rangers are likely going to add to that total in his first start next week. Duensing was a totally different pitcher in May going 0-4 with a 8.10 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP. Francis has allowed five runs in four of his last seven starts and the league is hitting .300 against him. Carmona has struggled in his last three outings, allowing 16 runs in 20 2/3 innings with four long balls surrendered.

National League:

Start them:

Ian Kennedy (ARI) ~ FLA (Sanchez), WAS (Marquis)
Chad Billingsley (LAD) ~ COL (Hammel), @CIN (Wood)
Roy Halladay (PHI) ~ @WAS (Hernandez), @PIT (McDonald)
Ryan Vogelsong (PIT) ~ @STL (Carpenter), COL (Chacin)
Mat Latos (SD) ~ @ATL (Minor), HOU (Rodriguez)

Roll the Dice:

Tim Hudson (ATL) ~ SD (Harang), @NYM (Dickey)
Travis Wood (CIN) ~ MIL (Narveson), LAD (Billingsley)
Jason Hammel (COL) ~ @LAD (Billingsley), @SF (Vogelsong)
Dillon Gee (NYM) ~ PIT (Morton), ATL (Jurrjens)
Chris Narveson (MIL) ~ @CIN (Wood), @FLA (Volstad)
James McDonald (PIT) ~ @NYM (Dickey), PHI (Halladay)
Charlie Morton (PIT) ~ @NYM (Gee), PHI (Worley)
Aaron Harang (SD) ~ @ATL (Hudson), HOU (Lyles)
Kyle McClellan (STL) ~ SF (Bumgarner), CHC (Dempster)
Chris Carpenter (STL) ~ SF (Vogelsong), CHC (Lopez)
Madison Bumgarner (SF) ~ @STL (McClellan), COL (Nicasio)
Livan Hernandez (WAS) ~ PHI (Halladay), @ARI (Saunders)
Jason Marquis (WAS) ~ PHI (Lee), @ARI (Kennedy)

Despite only having one win on the season, Bumgarner has been pitching better of late with three runs or less allowed in six consecutive starts. Hammel gets two road starts next week where he has a 1.71 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Livan is 0-4 in his last five starts, but has allowed five runs in his last 20 innings with 15 strikeouts. No surprise that Harang has been better at PETCO Park where he has a 3.40 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP vs. 5.51 and 1.59 on the road so a better option would be to sit him and then start him if your league has daily transactions. McDonald has allowed two runs or less in five of his last six starts and is 3-1 in his last six outings. Wood has turned around things around in May with a 3.30 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP as he has been harder to hit with a .243 batting average against.

Sit Them:

Joe Saunders (ARI) ~ FLA (Volstad), WAS (Hernandez)
Rodrigo Lopez (CHC) ~ HOU (Happ), @STL (Carpenter)
Chris Volstad (FLA) ~ @ARI (Saunders), MIL (Narveson)
Jordan Lyles (HOU) ~ @CHC (Lopez), @SD (Harang)
Aneury Rodriguez (HOU) ~ @CHC (Zambrano), @SD (Latos)

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Report – Week 9

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 23rd, 2011

It seems like rookie closer Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves is averaging a blown save per week of late after blowing his fourth save of the season last week, after he allowed four hits in 1/3 of an inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks. That concluded a stretch in which he pitched six times in eight days. In his last outing on Saturday, he picked up a save but did not strike out a hitter, making it the first time he threw a full inning and did not strike someone out since April 29th. I think it bears watching to see what effect that workload has on him over the next two weeks. Hopefully if you own Kimbrel you also have Jonny Venters on your team as well, though he is being worked just as hard as Kimbrel is.

Jordan Walden has not been the same closer in the month of May that he was earlier in the season for the Los Angeles Angels. Walden has three blown saves this month with a 6.00 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP as hitters are batting .318 against him. If Walden blows another save or two in the near term, veteran lefty Scott Downs could see some save chances. Downs has a .71 ERA and .87 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings so far in 2011.

Fernando Salas had about as big of a week as you can as closer, picking up four saves and a win for the St. Louis Cardinals. Salas has been a perfect 7-for-7 on saves this season and looks to have the job until he blows a save or two. The Cardinals demoted Mitchell Boggs to Triple-A who was closer for a couple of days back in April after he gave up five runs in five innings in May.

Octavio Dotel picked up a save on Saturday for the Toronto Blue Jays, the day after Frank Francisco was saddled with a loss. It would have been the third straight day of work for Francisco so it was not surprising that he was held out of action. Dotel has a 5.84 ERA and 1.78 WHIP on the season so don’t make any rash decisions to drop Francisco for Dotel.

It has been an ugly May for interim closer Brian Fuentes for the Oakland A’s. Fuentes has a 5.63 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP and has collected four losses, including three straight decisions though to be fair in one game the run was unearned.

Week 8 Closer Stats – American League Saves:

Kyle Farnsworth – 2
Chris Perez – 2
Matt Capps – 2
Frank Francisco – 2

Week 8 Closer Stats – National League Saves:

Fernando Salas – 4
John Axford – 4
Francisco Rodriguez – 3
Leo Nunez – 3
J.J Putz – 3
Ryan Madson – 3

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 9

Posted by Todd Lammi on May 21st, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week nine of the major league baseball season, covering May 23 – May 29. The Oakland A’s rotation is in flux right now with Tyson Ross and Brandon McCarthy, both scheduled for two starts next week and both getting placed on the disabled list. The A’s don’t have any exciting options in Triple-A that would be worth start if they were called up. Only Josh Outman has had major league success and he has not been the same pitcher since having Tommy John surgery in 2009. Outman has a 4.78 ERA in eight starts with 27 walks and 30 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings.

Joe Blanton is headed back to the disabled list for the Philadelphia Phillies, pushing Vance Worley back into the rotation and making him a two start pitcher in week 9 with Kyle Kendrick remaining in the bullpen. In Toronto, Carlos Villanueva becomes a two start pitcher as he replaces Jesse Litsch in the rotation after Litsch was put on the disabled list.

2 start pitchers week 9: 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) ~ @CLE (Carmona), @DET (Verlander)
Justin Masterson (CLE) ~ BOS (Buchholz), @TB (Hellickson)
Justin Verlander (DET) ~ TB (Davis), BOS (Beckett)
Dan Haren (LAA) ~ OAK (TBD), @MIN (Pavano)
Jered Weaver (LAA) ~ OAK (TBD), @MIN (Liriano)
Jeremy Hellickson (TB) ~ @DET (Coke), CLE (Masterson)
Alexi Ogando (TEX) ~ CWS (Danks), KC (Duffy)
Ricky Romero (TOR) ~ @NYY (Sabathia), CWS (Danks)

Roll the Dice:

Zach Britton (BAL) ~ KC (Duffy), @OAK (TBD)
Clay Buchholz (BOS) ~ @CLE (Masterson), @DET (Coke)
Phil Coke (DET) ~ TB (Hellickson), BOS (Buchholz)
Bartolo Colon (NYY) ~ TOR (Villanueva), @SEA (Vargas)
Jason Vargas (SEA) ~ @MIN (Pavano), NYY (Colon)

Buchholz has allowed two runs or less in four straight starts and has 20 strikeouts in his last 19 innings of work. Vargas has been on a roll, going 3-0 in his last four starts and has allowed one run in his last 23 2/3 innings. Colon picked up a win against Toronto earlier in the season, working 6 2/3 innings with two runs allowed and seven strikeouts. Coke has allowed two runs or less in three of his past four starts and tossed seven shutout innings against the Red Sox back on May 18th.

Sit Them:

John Danks (CHW) ~ @TEX (Ogando), @TOR (Romero)
Danny Duffy (KC) ~ @BAL (Britton), @TEX (Ogando)
Carl Pavano (MIN) ~ SEA (Vargas), LAA (Haren)
Carlos Villanueva (TOR) ~ @NYY (Colon), CWS (Jackson)

Even though Duffy is a top prospect for the Royals, pitching in the major leagues is a different level and with two tough road starts next week, I would keep him reserved in mixed formats. Villanueva moves into the rotation with Litsch getting placed on the disabled list but has not started a major league game since 2009. Since he has no been stretched out, I would not expect more than five or six innings from him. Pavano was better in his last two starts but has not won in the month of May and in his last four outings he has picked up just three strikeouts. Danks has had trouble on the road this season with a 4.88 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. His control has not been great in his last four outings with 12 walks allowed and only 9 strikeouts collected.

National League:

Start them:

Ricky Nolasco (FLA) ~ @SF (Cain), @LAD (Kershaw)
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) ~ @HOU (Norris), FLA (Nolasco)
Cole Hamels (PHI) ~ CIN (Arroyo), @NYM (Pelfrey)
Matt Cain (SF) ~ FLA (Nolasco), @MIL (Gallardo)

Roll the Dice:

Ryan Dempster (CHC) ~ NYM (Niese), PIT (Maholm)
Johnny Cueto (CIN) ~ @PHI (Worley), @ATL (Lowe)
Bronson Arroyo (CIN) ~ @PHI (Hamels), @ATL (Hanson)
Jorge De La Rosa (COL) ~ ARI (Saunders), STL (Lohse)
Bud Norris (HOU) ~ LAD (Kershaw), ARI (Saunders)
Yovani Gallardo (MIL) ~ WAS (Gorzelanny), SF (Cain)
Jonathon Niese (NYM) ~ @CHC (Dempster), PHI (Worley)
Vance Worley (PHI) ~ CIN (Cueto), @NYM (Niese)
Dustin Moseley (SD) ~ STL (Lohse), @WAS (Gorzelanny)
Kyle Lohse (STL) ~ @SD (Moseley), @COL (Da La Rosa)
Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) ~ @MIL (Gallardo), SD (Moseley)

Gorzelanny has allowed three runs or less in six of eight starts this season and went six innings with two runs allowed against the Brewers earlier in the year. Gallardo has rattled off three straight wins, allowing four runs in 20 innings with 20 strikeouts. Norris has had trouble getting wins with a lack of offensive support, getting one run in each of his last three starts. His last outing was the first start this season he struck out less than six hitters. De La Rosa has two home starts at Coors Field but his numbers 3.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP have been similar to what he has posted on the road this season. Moseley has come back to earth, losing three straight starts with 13 runs allowed in 14 1/3 innings. Niese has allowed three runs or less in five of his last six starts and allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings in a start against Philadelphia earlier in the year. Arroyo has not won since April 25th and his ERA has been victimized by the long ball of late with six home runs allowed in his last four starts. Demspter had been pitching better allowing five runs in 20 innings before giving up five runs in five innings in his last start.

Sit Them:

Joe Saunders (AZ) ~ @COL (De La Rosa), @HOU (Norris)

I wouldn’t want to start him even in NL-only leagues.

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 6

Posted by Tony Mancini on May 4th, 2011

Here is a look at some players that were recently called up to the major leagues, player getting more playing time due to injury or other players that may be available in your fantasy baseball league that you can claim in week 6. If these players are not available on your league waiver wire, then they could be possible trade targets as well.

Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams:

3B – Ian Stewart (COL) – Stewart was batting .361 with three home runs and 13 RBI in 32 at bats before being recalled by the Colorado Rockies from Triple-A. Although he struggled early in the season, it looks like he was able to get his swing back on track in the minor leagues. He should see at bats against right-handed pitching with Jose Lopez seeing time against southpaws

C – Yorvit Torrealba (TEX) – When you think of the catcher for the Texas Rangers, most people will say Mike Napoli, however, Torrealba has been splitting time with Napoli and is currently hitting .277 with three home runs and eight RBI. He hasn’t hit for a ton of power but Rangers Ballpark is a hitter’s ballpark so that statistic could change soon.

American League:

2B – Scott Sizemore (DET) – With Will Rhymes struggling badly and Sizemore hitting over .400 in Triple-A, the Detroit Tigers made the switch earlier this week and Sizemore will get the majority of at bats at second base for the foreseeable future. Sizemore was hitting .408 in 76 at bats with two home runs and three steals when he was recalled.

OF – Ben Revere (MIN) – Revere was recalled today by the Minnesota Twins when Jason Repko was placed on the disabled list. With Delmon Young also on the DL for another week, Revere has a chance for playing time this week and beyond if he can show the Twins what he is capable of. He’s been compared to Brett Gardner and has batted .300 or better in four minor league season. Revere was hitting .293 with no hone runs in 92 at bats and seven stolen bases with the Rochester Red Wings.

National League:

OF – Jason Bourgeois (HOU) – With Carlos Lee suffering from a rib injury, Bourgeois has taken advantage of the additional playing time, batting over .500 in his last five games. He has nine stolen bases in just 41 at bats this season so if you are looking for steals in a NL-only league, grab him up.

SP – Vance Worley (PHI) – Worley impressed in his first start with six scoreless innings for the Philadelphia Phillies. Worley is starting while Joe Blanton is on the disabled list and Blanton did not have a good start to the season before his injury. Worley could stick around if he strings together a few more strong outings. He faces the Washington Nationals at home tonight.

RP – Mark Melancon (HOU) – if you have a reserve spot open in your NL-only league, you might want to try and stash Melancon from the Houston Astros. Brandon Lyon blew his fourth save of the year today and is close to being removed from the closer’s role. Melancon could be next in line with his 1.76 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 6

Posted by Todd Lammi on April 29th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week five of the major league baseball season, covering May 2 – May 8. Lots of top players in the American League next week with Jon Lester, CC Sabathia, and Justin Verlander all throwing.

2 start pitchers week 6: 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:

Jon Lester (BOS) ~ LAA (Haren), MIN (Pavano)
Clay Buchholz (BOS) ~ LAA (Weaver), MIN (Duensing)
Justin Verlander (DET) ~ NYY (Colon), @TOR (Litsch)
Dan Haren (LAA) ~ @BOS (Lester), CLE (Tomlin)
Jered Weaver (LAA) ~ @BOS (Buchholz), CLE (Masterson)
CC Sabathia (NYY) ~ @DET (Penny), @TEX (Ogando)
Alexi Ogando (TEX) ~ @SEA (Bedard), NYY (Sabathia)

Roll the Dice:

Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) ~ @CWS (Buehrle), TB (Shields)
Clay Buchholz (BOS) ~ LAA (Weaver), MIN (Duensing)
Mark Buehrle (CHW) ~ BAL (Guthrie), @SEA (Bedard)
Josh Tomlin (CLE) ~ @OAK (Ross), @LAA (Haren)
Bartolo Colon (NYY) ~ @DET (Verlander), @TEX (Holland)
Tyson Ross (OAK) ~ CLE (Tomlin), @KC (Francis)
Brandon McCarthy (OAK) ~ TEX (Holland), @KC (Hochevar)
Wade Davis (TB) ~ TOR (Reyes), @BAL (bergesen)

Buehrle has lost three in a row though he pitched better in his last outing allowing three runs in seven innings. It is feast or famine with Ross depending if his control his own. It was in his last start when he walked only one in seven innings against the Angels. For the season, he has nine walks and nine strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. McCarthy faces his old team, the Texas Rangers in his first start. Control has been impeccable so far with only four walks allowed in 35 1/3 innings which offsets his .297 batting average against. Guthrie is another guy that has improved his walk rate in 2011 with only four allowed in 32 innings of work so far. Overall Davis’ numbers look okay, but it is of some concern that strikeouts are down and home run rate has been supressed so far with only one allowed in 33 innings, so expect the ERA to start to rise.

Sit Them:

Brad Bergesen (BAL) ~ @KC (Francis), TB (Davis)
Brad Penny (DET) ~ NYY (Sabathia), @TOR (Reyes)
Jeff Francis (KC) ~ BAL (Bergesen), OAK (Ross)
Tyler Chatwood (LAA) ~ @BOS (Beckett), CLE (Masterson)
Erik Bedard (SEA) ~ TEX (Ogando), CWS (Buehrle)
Derek Holland (TEX) ~ @OAK (McCarthy), NYY (Colon)
Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR) ~ @TB (Davis), DET (Penny)

Francis has been teed off on in his last two starts with 1o runs allowed in seven innings. For the season, batters are hitting .324 against him. Holland has a lot of promise but has not been able to translate his minor league success to the major leagues yet. Bedard has been too homer prone in the early going with seven long balls allowed in 25 2/3 innings.
Penny’s last two starts have been okay, but he has two tough matchups next week.

National League:

Start them:

Tommy Hanson (ATL) ~ MIL (Gallardo), @PHI (Oswalt)
Jair Jurrjens (ATL) ~ MIL (Estrada), @PHI (Lee)
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) ~ CHC (Russell), @NYM (Dickey)
Cole Hamels (PHI) ~ WAS (Hernandez), ATL (Hanson)

Roll the Dice:

Mike Leake (CIN) ~ HOU (Happ), @CHC (Coleman)
Anibal Sanchez (FLA) ~ @STL (McClellan), WAS (Hernandez)
Marco Estrada (MIL) ~ @ATL (Jurrjens), @STL (McClellan)
Yovani Gallardo (MIL) ~ @ATL (Hanson), @STL (McClellan)
Aaron Harang (SD) ~ PIT (McDonald), ARI (Saunders)
Ryan Vogelsong (SF) ~ @NYM (Dickey), COL (Rogers)
Kyle McClellan (STL) ~ FLA (Sanchez), MIL (Gallardo)
Kyle Lohse (STL) ~ FLA (Volstad), MIL (Narveson)
Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) ~ SF (Bumgarner), @FLA (Volstad)
Livan Hernandez (WAS) ~ @PHI (Oswalt), @FLA (Sanchez)

Harang has actually been worse at home than on the road, with a 5.00 ERA at PETCO Park vs. 2.25 on the road. Gorzelanny is winless on the season but has had three straight solid outings allowing five runs in 17 1/3 innings.
Back in the major leagues for the first time since 2006, Vogelsong has looked good in limited action filling in for Barry Zito in the Giants rotation. Who needs Zack Greinke when you have Marco Estrada? Estrada has a 3.00 ERA through 21 innings and a 1.00 WHIP. Gallardo is a borderline bench with his numbers so far this season. On the plus side, he has faced Atlanta already once this season and tossed nine shutout innings against them.

Sit Them:

Joe Saunders (ARI) ~ (Rogers), @SD (Harang)
Esmil Rogers (COL) ~ @ARI (Saunders), @SF (Vogelsong)
Chris Volstad (FLA) ~ @STL (Lohse), WAS (Gorzelanny)
J.A. Happ (HOU) ~ @CIN (Leake), @PIT (McDonald)
R.A. Dickey (NYM) ~ SF (Vogelsong), LAD (Kershaw)
James McDonald (PIT) ~ @SD (Harang), HOU (Happ)
Madison Bumgarner (SF) ~ @WAS (Gorzelanny), COL (Jimenez)

Bumgarner is 0-4 on the season, thanks to bad pitching and a lack of offensive support as the Giants have scored only 8 runs for him in five starts. Dickey’s WHIP is a killer over a two start week at 1.55 due to a combination of walks and a .286 batting average against

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2011 Waiver Wire – Week 4

Posted by Tony Mancini on April 21st, 2011

A couple of demotions to the minor leagues have created some additional value for players that had been not seeing much playing time. Here is a look around fantasy baseball for some players to target on the waiver wire in week 4.

12 / 15 team mixed league:

SS – Jed Lowrie (BOS) – the hottest hitter in baseball right now, since getting the start on April 16th, he has hit three home runs with nine RBI and is now hitting .462 on the season. His play has sent Marco Scutaro to the bench for the time being as the Red Sox have won four of the five games he started.

1B/2B/3B - Ty Wigginton (COL) – the demotion of Ian Stewart to the minor leagues gives Wigginton a chance to see full-time duty at the hot corner. As an added bonus, he qualifies at three positions giving you better flexibility with your fantasy baseball lineup.

RP – Mitchell Boggs (STL) – has taken over as closer in St. Louis for Ryan Franklin and picked up his major league save yesterday against the Washington Nationals. Boggs has a 1.80 ERA and a .70 WHIP to go with 13 strikeouts in 10 innings.

American League Only:

SP – Tyson Ross (OAK) – moves into the Oakland rotation in place of Dallas Braden and gets his first start on Friday at Seattle against Michael Pineda. I like his strikeout upside but some issues with control will likely keep his WHIP on the high side.

C – Alex Avila (DET) – has flashed some early power with three home runs in 45 at bats and has 10 RBI already on the young season. With several top tier catchers on the shelf, he makes for an adequate fill in for the time being.

2B – Adam Kennedy (SEA) – even though Jack Wilson is technically the starting second baseman for the Mariners, however, he has struggled in his 13 starts.  Adam Kennedy has played in 12 games and is hitting over .310.  Feel free to ride Kennedy’s hot streak while you can.

2B/SS/3B – Felipe Lopez (TB) – Lopez has been getting the majority of the playing time at 3B for the Rays while Evan Longoria is on the disabled list and is a good stop gap until Longoria returns.  Lopez is hitting .260 with two home runs and five RBI in 46 at-bats.

National League Only:

OF – Emilio Bonifacio (FLA) – the injury to Logan Morrison that will keep him out for 2-4 weeks gives Bonifacio additional at bats in the Marlins outfield. He will be a good source of some runs scored and stolen bases if you need a temporary fill-in.

OF – Jerry Sands (LAD) – one of the top prospects in the Dodgers organization, was called up and got his first star ton April 18th. Will likely rack up quite a few strikeouts but his power is legit and there is no on else hitting that the Dodgers have tried in left field so far this season.

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2011 Fantasy Baseball Lineup Planner – Week 4

Posted by Todd Lammi on April 17th, 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 4 of the 2011 fantasy baseball season.

American League:

Grady Sizemore returned to the lineup for the Cleveland Indians in center field and hitting leadoff and went 2-for-4 with a home run and a double. He should be activated for your lineup next week in all types of fantasy baseball league formats.

Matt Capps is the new closer in Minnesota after Joe Nathan blew saves on Thursday and Saturday. Capps picked up the saved today against the Tampa Bay Rays working a scoreless ninth inning on eight pitches. Nathan should be reserved in mixed formats until he gets back in mix for saves.

Mitch Talbot who was scheduled for two starts in week 4 was placed on the disabled list by the Cleveland Indians. His spot will be taken by Triple-A pitcher Jeanmar Gomez who was scheduled to start on Tuesday, but I would not recommend on using him in your pitching rotation.

Jed Lowrie was in the lineup for a second straight day for the Boston Red Sox and went 1-for-4 with two runs scored. He should start to see some more playing time with team struggling and Marco Scutaro off to a slow start at the plate.

Oakland A’s starting pitcher Dallas Braden left Saturday’s start against the Detroit Tigers with a stiff shoulder and his start is in question for week 4. I would leave him benched if you have other alternatives with no updates as to what his status will be.

National League:

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin blew his fourth save of the season on Sunday, surrendering a game-winning home run to Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you own Franklin, I would him for now and hope that you have Mitchell Boggs on reserve who looks like could be next in line for saves in the bullpen.

With pitcher Chris Young going on the disabled list for the New York Mets earlier in the week, Dillon Gee got the start today and will have another start next week if you need someone to start for your team in a NL-only format. Gee worked 5 2/3 innings allowing one run with four strikeouts.

There is a chance that Mets outfielder Jason Bay could be back in the lineup on Tuesday which would send Willie Harris back to the bench. If you are short a hitter in your NL only league, you might want to consider activating Bay. In mixed league formats, I would leave him reserved for another week until he plays a few games.

Pitcher Roy Oswalt of the Philadelphia Phillies is still expected to make his start next week on Thursday against the San Diego Padres after leaving Friday’s start against the Florida Marlins after six innings with a strained back.

To help set your pitching rotation for next week, check out the week 4, two start pitchers.

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2011 Two Start Pitchers – Week 4

Posted by Todd Lammi on April 16th, 2011

Here is a look at the options for two start pitchers in week four of the major league baseball season, covering April 18 – April 24th. Because of the rain out in Philadelphia, Joe Blanton becomes a two start pitcher next week getting the start on Monday.

2 start pitchers week 4: 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:

John Danks (CHW) ~ @TB (Shields), @DET (Scherzer)
Edwin Jackson (CHW) ~ @TB (Price), @DET (Penny)
Brett Anderson (OAK) ~ BOS (Lackey), @SEA (Fister)
David Price (TB) ~ CWS (Jackson), @TOR (Litsch)
C.J. Wilson (TEX) ~ LAA (Santana), KC (Chen)
Ricky Romero (TOR) ~ @BOS (Matsuzaka), TB (Shields)

Roll the Dice:

Carlos Carrasco (CLE) ~ @KC (Davies), @MIN (Pavano)
Mitch Talbot (CLE) ~ @KC (Chen), @MIN (Pavano)
Max Scherzer (DET) ~ @SEA (Vargas), CWS (Danks)
Bruce Chen (KC) ~ CLE (Talbot), @TEX (Wilson)
Ervin Santana (LAA) ~ @TEX (Wilson), BOS (Matsuzaka)
Carl Pavano (MIN) ~ @BAL (Arrieta), CLE (Talbot)
Francisco Liriano (MIN) ~ @BAL (Tillman), CLE (Carrasco)
Jason Vargas (SEA) ~ DET (Scherzer), OAK (Cahill)
Doug Fister (SEA) ~ DET (Coke), OAK (Anderson)
James Shields (TB) ~ CWS (Danks), @TOR (Romero)

Liriano is a tough call with three straight losses to star the season and his control has not been as good with nine walks in 14 1/3 innings so far this season. I think it is still too early to bench your top tier pitcher pitchers that you took in the top half of your fantasy baseball draft unless there has been new of an injury. Chen has been sharp so far with a 2.37 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP through three starts, though he won’t pile up a ton of strikeouts. Fister’s numbers aren’t great, but he has always been a much better pitcher at home and he gets two starts at Safeco Field next week.

Sit Them:

Chris Tillman (BAL) ~ MIN (Liriano), NYY (Nova)
Jake Arrieta (BAL) ~ MIN (Pavano), NYY (Garcia)
John Lackey (BOS) ~ @OAK (Anderson), @LAA (Palmer)
Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS) ~ TOR (Romero, @LAA (Santana)
Kyle Davies (KC) ~ CLE (Carrasco), @TEX (Ogando)
Matt Palmer (LAA) ~ @TEX (Lewis), BOS (Lackey)

Lackey had his last start skipped due to a rain day but was pounded in his first two starts against the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees. While they are two of the better offenses in the American League, his fastball has also been down a couple of miles per hour from 2010 as well.

National League:

Start them:

Tim Hudson (ATL) ~ @LAD (Lilly), @SF (Bumgarner)
Travis Wood (CIN) ~ ARI (Galarraga), @STL (Westbrook)
Josh Johnson (FLA) ~ PIT (Maholm), COL (Rogers)
Shaun Marcum (MIL) ~ @PHI (Blanton), HOU (Rodriguez)
Roy Halladay (PHI) ~ MIL (Wolf), @SD (Moseley)
Tim Lincecum (SF) ~ @COL (Rogers), ATL (Beachy)

Halladay will go on Tuesday instead of Monday but will still get two starts because the Phillies has seven games in week 4.

Roll the Dice:

Brandon Beachy (ATL) ~ @LAD (Kuroda), @SF (Lincecum)
Sam LeCure (CIN) ~ PIT (Correia), @STL (Carpenter)
Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) ~ NYM (Niese), @MIL (Marcum)
Hiroki Kuroda (LAD) ~ ATL (Beachy), @CHC (Russell)
Ted Lilly (LAD) ~ ATL (Hudson), @CHC (Dempster)
Jon Niese (NYM) ~ @HOU (Rodriguez), ARI (Galarraga)
Joe Blanton (PHI) ~ MIL (Marcum), @SD (Stauffer)
Kevin Correia (PIT) ~ @CIN (LeCure), WAS (Hernandez)
Tim Stauffer (SD) ~ @CHC (Russell), PHI (Blanton)
John Lannan (WAS) ~ @STL (Westbrook), @PIT (Maholm)

LeCure has been one of the surprises of the National League, with more than a strikeout per inning and holding hitters to a .105 average through 12 innings. Stauffer was brilliant last season but has not made it to the fifth inning in his past two starts. I would be okay with keeping him benched next week if you have other options. Correia has seen a huge drop in his strikeout rate but his other numbers have been better as he has a 2.70 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP through 20 innings.

Sit Them:

Armando Galarraga (AZ) ~ @CIN (Wood), @NYM (TBD)
James Russell (CHC) ~ SD (Stauffer), LAD (Kuroda)
Esmil Rogers (COL) ~ SF (Lincecum), @FLA (Johnson)
Paul Maholm (PIT) ~ @FLA (Johnson), WAS (Lannan)
Dustin Moseley (SD) ~ @CHC (Zambrano), PHI (Halladay)
Jake Westbrook (STL) ~ WAS (Lannan), CIN (Wood)

Yes, Moseley has pitched well this season, but has had zero runs scored for him in all three starts, has more walks than strikeouts on the season and has a tough matchup with Roy Halladay in his second start. Westbrook has had goo control in the past, but with 11 walks in 15 1/3 innings, he needs to be reserved until he can get that turned around.

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