Working the waiver wire

Getting help from the waiver wire
by Marc Normandin/Baseball Prospectus
August 13, 2008

The trade deadline has passed in all but the most lenient of fantasy leagues, meaning it's time to focus on the margins using free agency and waivers in order to bolster your roster during the remaining month and a half of the regular season. Those in head-to-head leagues have even less time to improve, with their league playoffs just a few weeks in the future, so with that in mind we'll take a look at pitchers (the most coveted commodity) using QuikERA, a favorite statistic of mine that you should familiarize yourself with. Using QERA should tell you which pitchers you can expect to see regression from, and which ones are safer bets to continue their success (or failures) going forward.

Scott Olsen began the year on fire, and his line on the season still looks solid enough because of it; over his first 10 starts he posted a 3.38 ERA, and now has a 4.04 ERA over a total 147 innings pitched. Given his peripherals at the time, it's a wonder that his ERA managed to stay as low as it did then. Olsen had an equal number of walks and strikeouts during that early run (29 of each in 64 innings) and gave up 1.1 home runs per nine, a rate of 24.4 every 200 innings pitched. Thanks to that early stretch, his current numbers look solid, though they go against his season's QERA of 5.47. In fact, the 1.43 difference between his actual ERA and his QERA is the sixth-largest spread for any starter with at least 50 innings pitched. He can thank his BABIP of .259 for that, as it's 65 points below his expected figure given his 20.4 percent liner rate.

His punch-out rate is one reason we can't expect his current actual ERA to last. Though he's striking out more batters since his first 10 starts, he's still at a below-average 4.9 K/9 for the season. Throw in that he induces grounders just 36 percent of the time, and it's easy to see why Olsen is not a favorite when it comes to this statistic (since ground-ball tendencies are another component of QERA). He's regressed closer to his QERA figure over his last 10 starts, with a 5.19 ERA over 59 innings pitched, even though he's put some space between his strikeouts (4.9) and walks (2.7) per nine, in part because he's started to give up far more home runs, with a 1.5 HR/9, or 34 per 200 innings, a significant increase. Opponents have knocked Olsen around for an ugly .286/.336/.524 clip, and it's tough to survive a ballgame when you're turning all of the opposition into this year's Vladimir Guerrero. Though Florida's defense is solid, with a .705 Defensive Efficiency that ranks sixth in the National League, they aren't so good that you can expect his low BABIP to last. If you have other options, skipping out on Olsen's starts or dropping him is a solid plan, and make sure not to overdraft him next year based on his final seasonal line, either.

Olsen isn't the only Sunshine State hurler who is pitching above expectations, as Tampa Bay's Edwin Jackson has also put together a season that, on the surface, appears to be more than solid. He has a 4.07 ERA over 137 innings, but has just 5.1 K/9 and nearly four walks per nine, as well as being on pace for 25 homers allowed over 200 innings. His 5.60 QERA is 1.53 runs higher than his actual ERA, putting him a spot ahead of Olsen in terms of the largest discrepancies between ERA and QERA. His actual BABIP is 21 points below his expected rate (.278), helped by his lower-than-average 17.9 percent liner rate, but the overall BABIP is also a product of his pitching in front of the second-best defense in the American League.

Thanks to his defense, Jackson can survive with his low K rates as long as he doesn't let the walks or homers get out of control. While the walks have not been as much of an issue as in the past, he's struggled with the long ball over his last 10 starts. Though he has a 4.10 ERA (and 4.25 RA) over the 59 1/3-inning stretch, he's given up 1.7 homers per nine, a projected total of nearly 38 home runs over 200 innings. That's a poor showing for anyone, never mind someone with the high walk totals and low strikeout rates he has. At this point, Jackson's defense makes him a worthwhile innings eater on a club desperate for that, but his recent stretch is worrisome, and he's of no help to someone who already has productive pitching in place. He's the kind of guy you dump into free agency if you're forced to make a move for help elsewhere.

Javier Vazquez's recent struggles have been surprising, given his strong start and his history as a quality pitcher. Lately though, he's pitched poorly: in 66 innings over his last 10 starts he's got a 5.32 ERA thanks to 1.5 HR/9, and that's in spite of a solid 8.3 K/9 against just 3.1 BB/9. If not for the homers, Vazquez would have come out ahead during this stretch, as he gave up a .262/.324/.461 line that was really only marred by the 11 homers that he gave up. Vazquez has had some poor luck, as the White Sox are in the middle of the AL in Defensive Efficiency, converting 70 percent of balls in play into out, but he hasn't received that kind of defensive support, as reflected by his .331 BABIP allowed on the season. Granted, his 20.2 percent liner rate means we should expect his BABIP to be .322, an insignificant difference, but with the defense playing as well as it has, you'd think he would have reaped some benefit.

Regardless, the defense can't catch the balls that Vazquez lets hitters put into orbit, and there has been far too much of that lately. QERA does not account for home runs, which makes sense when you see that it expects Vazquez to have a sub-four ERA, about a run better than his current numbers. Vazquez's career HR/9 rate is 1.2, and he's matching that this year despite his recent bad patch, but that career rate is somewhat misleading thanks to awful campaigns with the Diamondbacks and Yankees. During his better years, he's usually around the 1.0 mark, right where he was after his first 14 starts of this season. Even with the homers and ERA, Vazquez does plenty of good thanks to the low walk rates and multiple punchouts; if he manages to rein in his homer rate before year's end, it's all to the good for your club.

Carlos Silva hasn't been as bad as advertised this year, as his 5.93 ERA is almost a full run above his QERA of 4.92. The problem with that is that a 4.92 isn't any great shakes either, and when you combine his pitching style with Seattle's awful defensive play, it's no surprise that he's struggled the way he has. He's still one of those guys who usually floats to the top of free-agent leaderboards simply by virtue of throwing a lot of innings, and at this time of year, he's the kind of player who someone may be desperate enough to pick up. It's for that reason that I mention him, just to tell you that you are not desperate enough to acquire him for your stretch run, no matter how dire your need for pitching is.

Silva is striking out fewer than four per nine, continuing a streak that he's kept going since 2004, his first year with Minnesota. Luckily, walks are rare, as he's giving out just 1.7 BB/9 on the year, right around his career rate; the problem has been his BABIP of .331. With Seattle ranking second-to-last in the AL in Defensive Efficiency and converting a paltry 68.8 percent of balls in play into outs, it's no wonder Silva has been unable to pitch to his normal standards. When nearly 86 percent of your opponents end up putting the ball in play, you would like to have a defensive unit behind you that can catch a few of those. The right side of the infield hasn't had too much trouble with his grounders, as the opposition is hitting just .250 there on 25 percent of balls in play, but the left side is allowing a .301 average on 20.1 percent of balls in play, which is far too high for ground balls. The outfield isn't doing him any favors either, with .431, .500, and .531 averages from left to right. The lesson you should glean from these numbers is that Silva isn't the answer for you, no matter how hard up for pitching you may be, not unless Seattle's defense all of a sudden learns how to field. Given how unlikely that is, you'll want to avoid him.

Marc Normandin is an author of Baseball Prospectus.

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Hot Off The Waiver Wire

MLB Waiver Wire Wonders
by Tim Williams/AccuScore

Hot Off The Waiver Wire
posted by Tabloid Paige

The waiver wire can drive you nuts sometimes. You add a top prospect like Clayton Kershaw to your pitching staff to give you a boost, but in eight starts the highly touted rookie posts zero wins, a 4.42 ERA, and a 1.63 WHIP. Upon demotion to the minor leagues you cut Kershaw loose.

By the time Kershaw gets recalled, you are content with options like Manny Parra, who posted a 2.57 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in the 21 days Kershaw spent in the minors. When Kershaw returns you look at his horrible ratios from when you had him, and you look at Manny Parra’s success, and decide that you’ve got the better pitcher. So you decide to hold on to Parra and let Kershaw ride it out on the wire.

Your guess was right, as on June 22nd, Kershaw returns to pitch three innings, allowing ten hits, three walks, five earned runs, with just two strikeouts. However, from June 23rd until now, Kershaw has posted two wins in three starts, with an 0.47 ERA, and 0.89 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts in 19 innings. Parra, in the meantime, has zero wins, a 7.27 ERA, and a 1.73 WHIP, with the only benefit being 16 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

Now I think Manny Parra is in a slump, and I won’t hold these three games against him, at least not as much as Prince Fielder would. That being said, I added Kershaw in a few of my leagues a few weeks before his first call up. I waited for him to show his top prospect status from May 25th until July 1st. When he was demoted to the minors, I was finally able to cut ties with him. And now he is showing what I was waiting for all along, only he’s doing it on other teams.

Although I guess it all comes full circle. I did not own Brett Myers at the start of the season, and after torturing his owners for months, following by a near month long demotion to the minors, Myers has returned to post a 2.50 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP in three starts. I now own Myers in just as many leagues as I dropped Kershaw in. So if you are regretting losing a guy like Kershaw or Myers due to their recent success, maybe you can redeem that mistake with one of this week’s Waiver Wire Wonders.

Batters

Lastings Milledge – Milledge has been on a tear recently, with a .407 average, four homers, and a stolen base in the last week. So far this season he has 11 homers, 14 stolen bases, and a .250 average. He has hit eight homers since the start of June, which is good considering he only had 23 at bats in July. At 23 years of age, he could finally be seeing his potential.

Mike Cameron – The thing that has been holding Cameron back has been the batting average. Cameron has 17 homers and 10 steals on the season, but a .237 average to go with those numbers. Cameron seems to be rebounding, with a .263 average in the last month, and a .279 average in the last two weeks. I don’t think he is anything better than a .250 hitter, but considering his other numbers, that will be enough.

Jason Kubel – He has 16 homers on the season, and four in the last month. The drawback to Kubel is that he only has a .268 average this season, making him this year’s version of Chris Duncan. Kubel is still a decent option for deeper mixed leagues, or if your team is in search of power.

Billy Butler – I consider him the Clayton Kershaw of offense. Butler is only 22 years old, and came in to this season with high expectations. After hitting .295 with one homer in April, he hit .233 with no homers in May, before being sent down in June. In the last month, Butler has hit .301 with five homers, showing that he may finally be living up to the early season hype.

Denard Span – Since being called up at the end of June, Span has a .330 average, two homers, three steals, and has been a great source of runs. Those are some pretty solid numbers in such a short…span? Sorry, I couldn’t resist. He will resume batting leadoff when Michael Cuddyer returns, which makes him a solid option if you need stolen bases and a boost in batting average.

Marlon Byrd – Byrd is batting behind Michael Young and Josh Hamilton in the Rangers lineup, which could give him a lot of chances for production. In the last two weeks he’s hit .362 with three homers and 11 RBIs, showing just what he’s capable of in that lineup.

Emilio Bonifacio – The Nationals traded Jon Rauch for Bonifacio straight up, and since getting the call to the majors, Emilio has hit .318 with three steals, eight runs, and six RBIs. He’s a great add in NL only leagues, and a solid option for your middle infield spot in deeper mixed leagues, especially if you need steals.

John Baker – The Marlins may finally have a catcher, with Baker hitting four homers with a .254 average over the last month. Baker’s production has bought him more playing time with Matt Treanor returning from the DL. He’s really only an option if you start two catchers, or in an NL only league.

Kelly Shoppach – Only two catchers have more homers than Shoppach, and that is Brian McCann and Geovany Soto. The difference is that Shoppach has about 150 fewer at bats than each of those guys. In the last 30 days, Shoppach has received a lot of playing time, posting a .328 average and five homers.

Pitchers

Clayton Kershaw – What else needs to be said? If you’ve got him, I’d ride it out and see what he can do.

Brett Myers – Myers has taken a different route than Kershaw. He was a reliever all of last season, and now has moved back to the rotation. I believe his problems stemmed from his habits as a closer. As a starter you need to mix your pitches up, while a closer relies on a fastball and an out pitch. Then there’s the issue of getting his arm stretched out. I think we will see a nice turnaround for Myers the rest of the season.

Gil Meche – Meche has been a decent pitcher this year, with a 4.17 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, 10 wins, and 115 strikeouts. Then he will go on amazing stretches like the last month, where he has posted four wins, 28 strikeouts, a 2.45 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. He’s only owned in a third of leagues, but that should be a lot more considering how good his numbers have been pitching for the Royals.

Kevin Slowey – Slowey has struggled in the last month, but I think he is a much better pitcher than his 5.63 ERA over that stretch indicates. Even during that bad run he has a 1.29 WHIP, and on the season he has a 1.10 WHIP. I like his strikeout totals, and I think his bad ERA is just a bit of bad luck.

Zach Miner – In his last four starts, Miner has a 2.31 ERA, and 1.16 WHIP, and a 3-1 record. The Tigers have been surging lately, and if Miner is going to pitch this well, then he becomes a great option in deeper leagues and AL only leagues.

Nick Blackburn – Blackburn is owned in less than a fifth of leagues, and the reason is that he doesn’t put up earth shattering numbers. When you look at what he has done so far (3.60 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, nine wins, 71 strikeouts in 140 innings) you have to wonder why he isn’t owned in as many leagues. My guess would be the low strikeout numbers, which makes Blackburn a great option if you don’t desperately need strikeouts.

Brian Moehler – In the last month Moehler has a 3.72 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and three wins. This season he has seven wins, a 4.01 ERA, and a 1.33 WHIP. He’s barely owned, but he’s a great NL only option, and a decent option if you stream pitchers.

Jeff Karstens – In his first two starts with the Pirates, Karstens has pitched 15 innings, allowing seven hits, five walks, and zero earned runs, with two wins. He took a perfect game in to the eighth inning in his last start before allowing a two out double to Chris Young. I don’t think he’s this good, but he’s unknown by NL hitters, which makes him a good option until other teams get a book on him

Anibal Sanchez, SP, Florida

Analysis: Sanchez is on the verge of resuming his major league career after having not pitched in the majors since May 2007 because of a torn rotator cuff. The Marlins were expected to evaluate Sanchez after his final rehab start Wednesday and decide whether or not he will return to the rotation Monday against the Mets. However, his game at Double-A Carolina was postponed and his return to the majors could also be delayed a few days. Sanchez is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his first four rehab starts. He also has struck out 18 in 21 innings. The right-hander looks a lot like the kid who threw a no-hitter in 2006 and posted a 10-3 record, 2.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Sanchez has topped out at 93 mph in his rehab outings. It's always tough to come back from a serious shoulder operation, but Sanchez has defied the odds thus far. He could be a second-half sleeper if he finds his pre-surgery form.
Hot Off The Waiver Wire

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Glavine could rejoin rotation next week.

Glavine could rejoin rotation soon

Veteran to have one more rehab start

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

San Francisco — Reports on Tom Glavine were all good after the veteran lefty pitched four solid innings Monday in an injury-rehab start for Class A Myrtle Beach, his first minor-league appearance in 22 years.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Glavine would more rehab start Saturday for Class AA Mississippi "to build endurance." Provided that goes well, he would activated from the disabled list and rejoin the Braves' rotation next week.

Glavine, 42, has been out eight weeks recovering from a partially torn flexor tendon near his left elbow. He threw 53 pitches and reported no pain Tuesday while allowing three hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts.

• The Braves had no updates on closer Rafael Soriano, whose sore elbow landed him on DL on Sunday for the third time this season. Past MRIs and other exams have shown no ligament tears or other structural damage.

"There's something in there, and we've got to find it," Cox said. "It's there. Just can't locate it."

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Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up

Joba Chamberlain is headed to the disabled list.
By GEORGE A. KING III
Last updated: 5:23 pm
August 6, 2008

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up.

The YankeesNew York Yankees put the right-hander on the 15-day DL with an injured shoulder before tonight's game against Texas while awaiting word on a diagnosis from Dr. James Andrews.

The Yankees recalled pitcher Chris Britton from Triple-A, despite the fact he was sent down less than 10 days ago.

A player cannot be recalled after a demotion before 10 days have passed, unless his team needs him to replace an injured player.

Chamberlain is in Pensacola, Fla., today having his right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews, is bound for the DL.

A diagnosis from Andrews likely would determine how much time the 22-year-old would miss, and if surgery is required.

Britton pitched three innings for the Yankees on July 31 and was sent down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the next day, Aug. 1.

He likely would pitch out of the bullpen, which means the Yankees would need to make another recall to take Chamberlain's spot in the rotation. Ian Kennedy is the likely choice.

Chamberlain was removed after 4 2/3 innings of Monday's game in Texas. After that game, Joe Girardi said he thought Chamberlain might miss one start, but did not think the injury was serious based on how the righty had maintained his velocity.

Chamberlain was dispatched to New York on Tuesday to undergo an MRI exam. The result showed a significant enough problem for the Yankees to send Chamberlain and the MRI results to Pensacola to see Andrews. It was an ominous sign considering teams usually send players to Andrews for second opinions only when they have a concern from their initial diagnosis.

The loss of Chamberlain for any length is a blow because he was emerging as a top-of-the-rotation force. He was 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA. Even with his poor outing Monday, Chamberlain was 3-1 in 12 starts with a 2.76 ERA.

Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

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Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?

Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?
Updated: August 4, 2008, 5:21 PM EST
Posted by Tabloid Paige

HOUSTON (AP) - Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and will have his second MRI in two weeks on Tuesday, leaving the New York Mets without their closer and starter John Maine.
Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff. He left Monday's game in Florida after 4 1-3 innings because of pain in his shoulder.
Wagner said he felt pain in his forearm on Tuesday, when he earned his 27th save with a scoreless ninth in the Mets' 4-1 win over Florida. He blew a save chance on Saturday night and said his arm felt strong, but he struggled to locate his pitches.

The Mets didn't make a move with Wagner but the left-hander was unavailable for their game against Houston on Sunday. New York is off Monday before hosting San Diego in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night.

"When you lose Billy Wagner, that's very critical for us," manager Jerry Manuel said.

The Mets purchased right-hander Eddie Kunz's contract from Double-A Binghamton to fill Maine's roster spot. Manuel said the 22-year-old Kunz might be his closer on Sunday.

Kunz was 1-4 with 27 saves in 44 games with Binghamton. He threw 17 scoreless innings over his last 16 appearances dating to June 20.

Wagner had an MRI on July 22 that showed muscle spasms around his shoulder joint. But he had tossed 10 consecutive scoreless innings over nine appearances before Saturday night.

"It got to the point where I couldn't locate the ball inside," Wagner said. "The pitches didn't have much finish on them."

The Mets were in third place in the NL East entering play Sunday, two games behind Philadelphia and a half-game behind Florida. Wagner was hoping to avoid the disabled list, but also didn't want to come back too soon.

"It's a situation where we're at this part of the season, where you have time to take some time off," Wagner said. "I don't want to hamper the team and continuously fight an uphill battle when we've got it close in the division. There's no use going out there and hurting the team by being something that you're not right now."

Maine's DL stint is retroactive to July 29 and Manuel tentatively plans to start him again at Washington on Aug. 13. Oliver Perez started Sunday's series finale in Houston on regular rest in Maine's spot.

Maine threw a light bullpen session on Sunday and said the shoulder felt fine. Manuel said the Mets are just being cautious.

"We know he could use that rest," Manuel said. "The more rest we give him, the better off he'll be."

Maine insisted the injury was nothing serious.

"There's no setback," Maine said. "It's just precautionary. I still feel it a little bit. But it's 100 times better than it was before."

Eddie Kunz Minor League Stats:
1-4 W-L: ERA 2.87: 43 Games: 26 SV: 47.0 IP: 38 Hits: 19 R: 15 ER: 23BB: 41 SO:

analysis:
He might be some help if your in desperate need he does have some upside.

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Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

Posted by Tabloid Paige
Fantasy Baseball News
Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule
Schedule by: fantasysportscentral.com

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:05 ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)--------NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)
1:10 COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)----- FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)
1:35 MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)------- ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)
1:35 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)----- BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)
1:35 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)----- WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)
1:40 DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)- TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)
2:05 NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)------ HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)
2:10 CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)--- KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)
2:10 CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)------- MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)
2:20 PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)--------- CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)
4:05 SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)----- SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)
4:10 ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)-------- LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)
4:10 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)---- SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)
8:05 PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)------- STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)
8:05 TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)------ TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)

Monday, August 04, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
6:07 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)--------TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)
7:10 MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)--------CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)---------TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)
8:05 HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)------CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)
8:05 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)---TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)
8:10 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)------KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)
9:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)--------COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)
9:40 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.00)-----ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)
10:05 BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)-----ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)
10:10 MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)-------SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)
10:15 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)-----SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------------Home
2:20 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)------CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)
7:05 FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)---------PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)
7:07 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)-------TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)
7:10 MIL-McClung, Seth (5-5, 4.44)---------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
7:10 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)----------NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)
7:10 CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)-------TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)
8:05 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)-------TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)
8:10 BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)---------KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)
8:11 DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)-------CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)
8:15 LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)----STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)
9:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)---------COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)
9:40 PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)------------ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)
10:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)----------ANA-Garland, Jon (10-6, 4.30)
10:10 MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)----------SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)
10:15 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)--------SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)

Fantasy Baseball News
Two-Start Pitching 14 Day Schedule

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
12:35 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)----------CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)
12:40 CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)--------TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)
2:20 HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)-------CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-7, 4.69)
3:35 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)--------ANA-Santana, Ervin (12-5, 3.38)
3:40 PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)--------ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)
3:45 ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)----------SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)
4:40 MIN-Blackburn, Nick (8-6, 3.56)-------SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (5-10, 4.79)
7:05 FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)-------PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)
7:07 OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)--TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)
7:10 SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)-----------NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)
8:05 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)--------TEX-Hunter, Tommy (0-0, 10.80)
8:10 BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)--------KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-9, 5.43)
8:11 DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)----CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)
8:15 LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)-----------STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)
9:05 WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)---------COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Visitor----------------------------------------Home
12:10 SD -Baek, Cha (3-6, 5.22)---------NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)
1:05 FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)----PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)
2:15 LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)--STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)
3:05 WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)---COL-DeLosSantos, Valerio (0-1, 5.63)
7:07 OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-8, 4.46)-----TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)
7:10 HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)-------CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-3, 7.64)
8:05 NYY-Mussina, Mike (14-7, 3.45)----TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-4, 4.97)
8:11 DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)-------CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)
9:40 ATL-Morton, Charlie (2-5, 6.62)---ARI-Petit, Yusmeiro (1-2, 3.08)
10:10 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (11-6, 4.59)--SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-7, 3.04)

Friday, August 08, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
2:20 STL-Looper, Braden (10-9, 4.30)--------CHC-Lilly, Ted (11-6, 4.37)
7:05 TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)----------BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (8-8, 3.35)
7:05 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)---------DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-8, 4.99)
7:05 PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-7, 3.95)-----------PHI-Blanton, Joe (6-12, 4.94)
7:07 CLE-Byrd, Paul (6-10, 4.72)------------TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)
7:10 HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)-----------CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)
7:10 FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (11-6, 3.92)--------NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)
8:05 WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)-------MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (11-8, 3.28)
8:10 MIN-Slowey, Kevin (7-8, 4.23)----------KC -Davies, Kyle (5-2, 4.42)
8:11 BOS-Lester, Jon (10-3, 3.14)-----------CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-10, 4.07)
9:05 SD -Peavy, Jake (8-7, 2.60)------------COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)
9:40 ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)--------ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)
10:05 NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)--------ANA-Weaver, Jered (9-9, 4.39)
10:10 TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)---------SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)
10:15 LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (6-8, 4.21)---------SF -Zito, Barry (6-13, 5.42)

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:07 CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)--------TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)
3:55 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)---ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)
3:55 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)-----ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)
3:55 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)----CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)
7:05 TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)---BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)
7:05 BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)-CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)
7:05 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)--------DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)
7:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)--------MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)
7:05 PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)----------PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)
7:10 HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)------CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)-KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)
7:10 FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)--------NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.13)
8:05 SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)--------COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)
9:05 LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)------SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)
10:10 TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)---------SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)---------DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)
1:07 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)-------------TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)
1:10 FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)-----------NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)
1:15 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)--------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
1:35 TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)----------BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)
1:35 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.0)----------PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)
2:05 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)----------CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)
2:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)-----------MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)
2:10 MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)-----------KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)
2:20 STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)--------CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)
3:05 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)------------COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)
3:35 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)---------ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)
4:05 LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)------SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)
4:10 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)----------ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)
4:10 TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)----------SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)

Monday, August 11, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
7:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)-----CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)
7:05 TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)----DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)
7:10 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)----FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)
7:10 PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)-------NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)
8:05 SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)---HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)
8:05 WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)----MIL-Bush, David (5-9, 4.69)
8:10 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)---MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)
8:11 BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)----CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)
10:10 PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)---LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
7:00 CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)-----ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)
7:05 TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-2, 5.58)-----BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)
7:05 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)---CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)
7:05 TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)---DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)
7:05 CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)----PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)
7:10 STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)-----FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)
7:10 NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)---WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)
8:05 SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)---HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)
8:10 NYY-Mussina, Mike (14-7, 3.45)---MIN-Blackburn, Nick (8-6, 3.56)
8:11 KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)-CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)
9:05 ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)---COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)
10:05 SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (5-10, 4.79)-ANA-Garland, Jon (10-6, 4.30)
10:05 TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)----OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)
10:05 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)-----SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)
10:10 PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)-----LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Visitor--------------------------------------------Home
1:10 NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-8, 4.95)-----MIN-Slowey, Kevin (7-8, 4.23)
7:00 CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-7, 4.69)------ATL-Morton, Charlie (2-5, 6.62)
7:05 TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-4, 4.97)------BOS-Lester, Jon (10-3, 3.14)
7:05 BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (8-8, 3.35)-----CLE-Byrd, Paul (6-10, 4.72)
7:05 TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)-------DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-8, 4.99)
7:05 CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-3, 7.64)----------PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-7, 3.95)
7:10 STL-Looper, Braden (10-9, 4.30)-----FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (11-6, 3.92)
7:10 NYM-Perez, Oliver (7-6, 4.02)-------WAS-Balester, Collin (1-3, 5.17)
8:05 SF -Zito, Barry (6-13, 5.42)--------HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.79)
8:11 KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-9, 5.43)------CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-10, 4.07)
9:05 ARI-Petit, Yusmeiro (1-2, 3.08)-----COL-DeLosSantos, Valerio (0-1, 5.63)
10:05 SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-7, 3.04)----ANA-Santana, Ervin (12-5, 3.38)
10:05 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (11-6, 4.59)--OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-8, 4.46)
10:05 MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (11-8, 3.28)------SD -Baek, Cha (3-6, 5.22)
10:10 PHI-Blanton, Joe (6-12, 4.94)--------LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (6-8, 4.21)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Visitor---------------------------------------------Home
1:05 TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-8, 2.85)-----DET-Galarraga, Armando (9-4, 3.37)
2:05 KC -Davies, Kyle (5-2, 4.42)-------CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-1, 9.88)
2:05 SF -Correia, Kevin (2-5, 5.84)-----HOU-Moehler, Brian (6-4, 4.25)
3:05 ARI-Davis, Doug (4-5, 3.88)--------COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.73)
3:35 TB -Shields, James (9-7, 3.66)-----OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-1, 4.47)
3:35 MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-4, 3.15)-------SD -Peavy, Jake (8-7, 2.60)
7:00 CHC-Lilly, Ted (11-6, 4.37)--------ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.76)
7:05 TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.34)------BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-2, 3.05)
7:05 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (7-6, 4.81)----CLE-Ginter, Matt (1-2, 4.20)
7:05 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-10, 5.02)-----PIT-Snell, Ian (4-8, 6.05)
7:10 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.13)---FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-6, 4.04)
7:10 NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.13)--------WAS-Redding, Tim (7-6, 4.35)
10:10 PHI-Myers, Brett (4-9, 5.49)-------LA -Johnson, Jason (1-0, 1.38)

Friday, August 15, 2008

Visitor---------------------------------------------Home
7:05 TOR-Richmond, Scott (0-1, 5.29)------BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-6, 5.98)
7:05 ANA-Weaver, Jered (9-9, 4.39)--------CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.59)
7:05 BAL-Sarfate, Dennis (4-2, 4.00)------DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 6.08)
7:05 KC -Greinke, Zack (8-7, 3.98)--------NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (4-3, 2.25)
7:05 NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-7, 3.92)--------PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.00)
7:10 STL-Carpenter, Chris (0-0, 2.25)-----CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-8, 5.76)
7:10 CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (12-4, 2.80)----FLA-Johnson, Josh (1-0, 4.27)
7:35 SF -Cain, Matt (6-9, 3.71)-----------ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-6, 3.07)
7:35 COL-Cook, Aaron (14-6, 3.54)---------WAS-Lannan, John (6-11, 3.62)
8:05 ARI-Haren, Dan (11-5, 2.63)----------HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-4, 3.62)
8:05 TB -Garza, Matt (9-6, 3.56)----------TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.53)
8:10 SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.95)-------MIN-Liriano, Francisco (0-3, 11.58)
10:05 CHW-Floyd, Gavin (11-6, 3.43)--------OAK-Smith, Greg (5-10, 4.04)
10:05 PHI-Moyer, Jamie (10-6, 3.79)--------SD -Maddux, Greg (4-8, 4.30)
10:40 MIL-Parra, Manny (9-4, 3.93)---------LA -Billingsley, Chad (11-9, 3.06)

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 KC -Meche, Gil (9-9, 4.24)-------NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-8, 4.18)
3:55 ANA-Lackey, John (9-2, 2.94)-----CLE-Carmona, Fausto (5-3, 4.21)
3:55 SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.43)------MIN-Perkins, Glen (8-3, 4.21)
7:00 SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-7, 4.61)------ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 10.00)
7:05 TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-5, 3.58)------BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-8, 4.16)
7:05 BAL-Penn, Hayden (0-0, 0.00)------DET-Verlander, Justin (8-11, 4.50)
7:05 ARI-Webb, Brandon (15-4, 3.04)------HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.74)
7:05 NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.22)------PIT-Duke, Zach (4-9, 5.28)
7:10 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-5, 5.06)------CIN-Volquez, Edinson (13-4, 2.71)
7:10 CHC-Dempster, Ryan (12-4, 2.91)------FLA-Sanchez, Anibal (1-0, 3.46)
7:10 COL-Francis, Jeff (3-7, 5.67)------WAS-Perez, Odalis (4-8, 4.16)
8:05 TB -Jackson, Edwin (7-7, 4.21)------TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-2, 7.47)
9:05 CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.32)------OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.11)
10:05 PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (9-5, 4.60)------SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.12)
10:10 MIL-McClung, Seth (5-5, 4.44)------LA -Lowe, Derek (8-9, 3.71)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Visitor-------------------------------------------Home
1:05 ANA-Saunders, Joe (14-5, 3.10)------CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-6, 5.82)
1:05 BAL-Olson, Garrett (8-5, 5.69)------DET-Miner, Zach (5-4, 3.77)
1:05 KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.34)----NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-2, 4.24)
1:10 CHC-Harden, Rich (6-2, 2.05)--------FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-2, 3.31)
1:15 STL-Lohse, Kyle (13-3, 3.74)--------CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-5, 7.55)
1:35 SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.71)------ATL-James, Chuck (2-4, 9.64)
1:35 TOR-Burnett, A.J. (13-9, 4.58)------BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.77)
1:35 NYM-Santana, Johan (9-7, 2.86)------PIT-Karstens, Jeff (1-0, 0.00)
1:35 COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (8-9, 3.61)-----WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-8, 4.35)
2:05 ARI-Johnson, Randy (9-7, 4.35)------HOU-Oswalt, Roy (8-8, 4.74)
2:10 SEA-Dickey, R.A. (3-6, 4.43)--------MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.53)
3:05 TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.90)-------TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-2, 5.58)
4:05 CHW-Vazquez, Javier (8-9, 4.66)-----OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.33)
4:05 PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-7, 3.37)--------SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.65)
4:10 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (6-7, 4.76)--------LA -Kershaw, Clayton (1-3, 4.06)

TWO-START PITCHERS

AL:
Miguel Batista, Clay Buchholz, Joba Chamberlain, R.A. Dickey, Gavin Floyd, Sean Gallagher, Matt Garza, Roy Halladay, Matt Harrison, Livan Hernandez, Edwin Jackson, Cliff Lee, Gil Meche, Garrett Olson, Vicente Padilla, Andy Pettitte, Scott Richmond*, Nate Robertson, Dennis Sarfate, Joe Saunders, Greg Smith .

NL:
Bronson Arroyo, Cha Seung Baek*, Chad Billingsley, Matt Cain, Chris Carpenter, Aaron Cook, Jorge De La Rosa, Ryan Dempster, Mike Hampton, Dan Haren, Yoslan Herrera, Josh Johnson, Jair Jurrjens, John Lannan, Brian Moehler, Jamie Moyer, Manny Parra, Odalis Perez, Tim Redding, Wandy Rodriguez, Edinson Volquez, Brandon Webb .

* = Two-start status is in question.

Read more...

Fantasy Deadline Trade'in Think Twice

From AM New York
Last-minute fantasy baseball trade? Think twice first
By Kyle Stack Special to amNewYork
July 30, 2008
Fantasy Baseball
posted by: Tabloid Paige

Major League Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline looms Thursday, but that doesn't mean it should necessarily have an impact on fantasy leagues.

With fantasy trade deadlines typically set for the first couple weeks in August, many owners might feel the need to shift players based on real-life changes of address.

Here are four strategies for single-year and keeper league players to consider before signing off on a trade.
Nearly every season, effective closers on losing teams are traded to playoff-contending teams to replenish tired and slumping bullpens. Already this month, Washington's Jon Rauch (17-for-22 in save opportunities) and Pittsburgh's Damarso Marte (5-for-7) of the Pittsburgh Pirates were sent packing to serve as setup men; Rauch for the Diamondbacks and Marte for the Yankees.

While the moves strengthen the real-life recipient teams, they throw a wrench into the operation of fantasy pitching staffs. If you own a closer who is rumored to be on the trading block, protect yourself from losing saves by adding his potential successor.Keeper leaguers shouldn't hastily trade Holliday out of fear his production will decrease with a new address. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you never make, so try not to outthink yourself.

Starters are still tough to predict
Seattle Mariners lefty Erik Bedard was the toast of the fantasy world last summer after riding a nine-start streak in which he posted a 7-0 record, a 1.71 ERA and a 84/16 K/BB ratio in 63 1/3 innings. Once he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in February, it was assumed that Seattle's pitchers' palace of a ballpark – Safeco Field – would elevate Bedard to a staff ace. However, the 29-year-old has weathered multiple injuries, little run support from a pitiful offense to pitch a solid, yet disappointing, season.

For every CC Sabathia, who has thrived at his new address with the Milwaukee Brewers, there is a Bedard. When it comes to starters, it is truly buyer beware.

Dangle reliable veterans for promising prospects
Keeper leaguers who own struggling teams should follow the path blazed by real-life general managers of below-average teams: trade older, reliable players for young, promising "keepers." Just about every fantasy league has a team on the cusp of the playoffs, but in need of a veteran who can give the squad a shot in the arm. Identify any appealing veteran players on your squad and turn them into highly-touted youngsters who aren't yet producing at the rate they will in a couple years.

Target future stars such as outfielders Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Real-life trades affect relievers' fantasy values, but have less of an effect on position players
Well, at least elite position players. They're the ones who can typically make adjustments no matter their hitting environment. Take Colorado Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, an elite fantasy player who has just a career .278 batting average and a .792 on-base plus slugging percentage away from Colorado's hitter-friendly Coors Field. MLB teams are balking at trading for Holliday, but that's due more to Colorado's high asking price than whether the three-time All-Star can maintain his high level of play with a new team.

Read more...

Fantasy News Two Start Pitchers Wk. 18

Fantasy News
Two Start Pitchers
Week 18
posted by Tabloid Paige

Dallas Braden+ improves to 2-0 on season: Dallas Braden allowed one run over five innings as the Oakland Athletics ended a six-game losing streak with an 8-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Braden (2-0) allowed four hits, walked four and struck out one. Braden was making his first start of the season, replacing Joe Blanton, who was traded to Philadelphia last Thursday, in the rotation.

Scott Feldman+ gets spot start, wins game: Rangers SP Scott Feldman, expected to move to the bullpen but forced to start because Eric Hurley has stiffness in his left shoulder, won his third straight decision Monday at the White Sox. He gave up one run on four hits in six innings, walking three and striking out one. "I sort of got into trouble a couple times, but I was able to make a good pitch and get a ground ball," he said. "I was trying to get ground balls, and when you're doing that you have to have a good defense, and we had a great defense tonight turning those double plays."


TWO START PITCHERS

AL:
Dallas Braden+, Mark Buehrle, A.J. Burnett, Paul Byrd, Scott Feldman+*, Armando Galarraga, Matt Ginter, Zack Greinke, Jeremy Guthrie, Felix Hernandez, John Lackey, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Luis Mendoza*, Mike Mussina, Glen Perkins+, Darrell Rasner, Clayton Richard, Kenny Rogers, Carlos Silva*, James Shields, Kevin Slowey, Jered Weaver*.

NL:
Collin Balester, Kevin Correia, Johnny Cueto, Doug Davis, Tim Hudson, Hiroki Kuroda, Ted Lilly, Braden Looper, Greg Maddux, John Maine, Brett Myers, Ricky Nolasco, Scott Olsen, Roy Oswalt, Micah Owings*, Jo-Jo Reyes, Glendon Rusch*, CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Ian Snell, Todd Wellemeyer, Carlos Zambrano.

+ = Check Wavier wire consider picking up.
* = Two-start status is in question.

Read more...

Fantasy News You Can Use,Get'em Set'em

Fantasy Baseball News

MLB, NL,AL

Dempster Still Perfect at Home

06/23/2008

BY Aaron Gleeman

Pirates' Snell to have MRI on elbow

Braves' Teixeira belts three homers in win

Blue Jays place Shaun Marcum on DL

Pujols set to make his return on Thursday

Zambrano heads to the DL with shoulder strain

Chipper out for weekend with quad strain

Mariners' Bedard exits game with back spasms

Ryan Dempster improved to 9-0 at Wrigley Field by holding the White Sox to one run over eight innings Sunday night, leading the Cubs to their 14th straight home victory and MLB-best 48-28 record. Dempster spent his first four seasons in Chicago as a mediocre reliever, going 9-20 with a 4.10 ERA. He did surprisingly well converting save chances over that span with an 85-percent success rate, but was stripped of ninth-inning duties and moved back to the rotation this year. Dempster had limited success as a starter early in his career thanks largely to shaky control that included 4.7 walks per nine innings through his first 162 starts. He's still far from a control artist, but handing out 38 walks through 102.2 innings represents a 30-percent improvement and is the biggest reason for his surprising success. He's always been able to rack up plenty of strikeouts, but came into this season with a 5.00 ERA as a starter and a 4.11 ERA as a reliever. Sunday's outing pushed him over the 100-inning mark for the first time since 2003, so the huge jump in workload may catch up to him in the second half. Beyond that, his secondary numbers-strikeouts, walks, ground ball-to-fly ball ratio-suggest that Dempster has performed more like a 3.75-4.00 ERA pitcher than the 2.63 mark that he's currently sporting. While his improvements are legitimate and he's not likely to fall apart completely, Dempster is a good sell-high candidate.While the Cubs keep rolling without Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano, here are some other notes from around baseball .

Justin Duchscherer has followed the same path as Dempster, beginning his career as a starter, spending 2004-2007 in the bullpen, and switching back to the rotation this year. Duchscherer is a little different in that most of his starting was done in the minors and he thrived in the bullpen, but the career progression is similar and the success this season is just as startling. He held the Mariners to one run over 7.2 innings Sunday, improving to 8-4 while slicing his ERA to 1.99.He's yet to allow more than three runs in a start and has given up two runs or fewer in 11 of 12 outings. However, Duchscherer spent most of April on the disabled list with a strained biceps and has a history of elbow and hip injuries, so like Dempster he's no sure thing to handle the workload increase. My guess is that Duchscherer has a better chance of maintaining an ERA below 3.50 all season, but Dempster has a better chance of staying healthy for 15 more starts.

Ian Snell struggled Sunday against the Blue Jays and complained of elbow soreness afterward, with the Pirates scheduling him for an MRI exam Monday. "We are going to run some tests," manager John Russell said. "Hopefully it's not anything major, but we'll get some tests run and go from there. He didn't feel right today and he has a little irritation." An elbow problem would help explain Snell's decline this season, although he hadn't reported any trouble prior to Sunday. Snell faced 1,695 batters between 2006 and 2007, striking out 20.4 percent while walking 7.9 percent. This season his strikeout rate has dipped to 15.4 percent and has walk rate has risen to 11.8 percent. That adds up to 25 percent fewer strikeouts and 50 percent more walks, which along with slightly decreased velocity is certainly the type of performance that you'd expect from someone who's been pitching through elbow problems.

After sitting out over a year following Tommy John surgery, Mike Gonzalez returned from the disabled list last week and immediately took over as the Braves' closer, tossing a perfect ninth inning to pick up a save in his first appearance. He then waited four days for his next appearance and struggled in a non-save situation Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits, including serving up a homer to a left-handed batter (Jeff Clement) for just the third time in his career.Gonzalez's command understandably doesn't appear to be very sharp yet, but the velocity on both his fastball and slider are fairly close to where they were in his prime. He still works at around 91-94 miles per hour with his fastball and 78-82 miles per hour with his slider, so expect Gonzalez to have at least reasonable success in the closer role as long as he remains healthy. That's a big question mark given his history, but his stuff looks good enough to get the job done.

AL Watch

Vicente Padilla held the Nationals to three runs over seven innings Sunday and the unlikely trio of Padilla, Cliff Lee, and Mike Mussina is tied for the AL lead with 10 wins . Ivan Rodriguez reached base four times Sunday, including a solo homer that was just his second long ball of the season . After knocking in a run with a first-inning double Sunday, Nick Markakis drew walks in four straight trips to the plate . Kevin Youkilis delivered a walk-off homer in the 13th inning Sunday and is now just three homers short of matching his career-high of 16 set last year . Andy Pettitte shut out the Reds for six innings Sunday and has now allowed a total of one run over his last three starts following back-to-back ugly outings to begin the month . Milton Bradley (quadriceps) singled as a pinch-hitter Saturday, but then missed his fifth straight start Sunday . With Freddie Bynum designated for assignment Sunday, Alex Cintron takes over as the Orioles' starting shortstop . He has just one homer this month, but Justin Morneau has still driven in 15 runs over the past 11 games.

NL Watch

Prince Fielder had just one homer through 20 games, but after going deep twice Sunday he has 15 homers in 54 games since . Randy Wolf totaled 10 strikeouts in Sunday's loss to the Tigers, reaching double digits for the first time in 25 starts . Mark Teixeira smacked three homers Sunday, giving him 30 homers and 111 RBIs in 129 games with the Braves . Clint Barmes returned from the disabled list Sunday and will split time at second base with Jeff Baker, sending Ian Stewart back to Triple-A . Brandon Webb was cruising along Sunday until the Twins scratched together a five-run fifth inning, dropping him to 2-4 since beginning the year 9-0 . Eric Patterson went 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs Sunday, but likely won't get enough playing time to be a fantasy asset . Manny Parra handed out a career-high six walks Sunday, yet won his fifth straight start . Seeing increased action with Cesar Izturis (hamstring) sidelined, Aaron Miles collected five hits Sunday to raise his batting average from .293 to .313 .

Daily Dose favorite Fred Lewis collected three hits and two walks Sunday while swiping his 13th base.

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Player Watch Update

Grady Sizemore - OF, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 14, 1:25 a.m.Grady Sizemore hit a pair of homers as the Indians defeated the Padres 9-5 on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Sizemore took Josh Banks and Mike Adams deep tonight. He has four homers in three games and he's hit in 10 straight, so he's really stepping up as is necessary with both Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner on the shelf.

Kelly Shoppach - C, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 14, 1:23 a.m.Kelly Shoppach had a two-run homer, two walks and three runs scored Friday against the Padres. Fantasy Source spin: Shoppach should be pretty valuable while Victor Martinez is out. He has three homers in his last four games, and he has 11 homers in 247 at-bats since the beginning of 2007.

Garret Anderson - OF, Los Angeles Angels
Jun. 14, 12:32 a.m.Garret Anderson returned to action on Friday and went 1-for-3 against the Braves. Fantasy Source spin: Anderson was the DH tonight. He didn't play Wednesday because of a sore right knee.

Juan Uribe - 2B, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:42 p.m.Finally making his first start since coming off the DL on May 31, Juan Uribe had a two-run single to help the White Sox beat the Rockies 5-4 on Saturday. Fantasy Source spin: Alexei Ramirez had the night off. As well as Ramirez is swinging, it seems unlikely that Uribe's big hit tonight will get him any additional time at second base this weekend. Perhaps he could be used at shortstop to give Orlando Cabrera a day off.

Jason Kubel - DH, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 11:31 p.m.Jason Kubel went 2-for-5 and hit his third homer in five games Friday against the Brewers. Fantasy Source spin: Kubel has six homers in the five games. That he's heating up could give the Twins a bit of a dilemma for the rest of their games in NL parks. Even if Michael Cuddyer (hand) can play on Saturday, the Twins might still be better off with either he or Delmon Young on the bench to keep a spot open for Kubel.

Manny Ramirez - OF, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 11:08 p.m.The Red Sox said Manny Ramirez's hamstring was bothering him during Friday's game before he came out. Fantasy Source spin: "We talked about it before the game and then he said he was really feeling it, so we took him out," manager Terry Francona said. "And that certainly makes it hard, because it certainly limits you when the game starts, but you don't want to hurt him worse than he is." Ramirez is expected to sit out Saturday's game. Either Coco Crisp or Brandon Moss will start.Source: RedSox.mlb.com

Magglio Ordonez - OF, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 11:04 p.m.Magglio Ordonez homered as part of a 2-for-4, two RBI night Friday in a win over the Dodgers. Fantasy Source spin: Marcus Thames also homered in the game. The blast was Ordonez's tenth this season and the two RBI move his total to 42. He's currently hitting .311 with 36 runs.

Matt Stairs - DH, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 10:54 p.m.Matt Stairs, batting second, connected for a two-run homer in the third inning Friday that led the Blue Jays over the Cubs. Fantasy Source spin: Scott Rolen also homered in the inning, and those three runs held up. Stairs is hitting .261 this year with 25 RBI and now eight total homers.

Eric Hinske - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 10:39 p.m.Eric Hinske drove in two runs Friday and finished 2-for-3 as the Rays topped the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: Dioner Navarro added a two-run double, while Akinori Iwamura, Gabe Gross, and Jason Bartlett drove in a run apiece. Hinske improves his average to .250. He has 33 RBI and 23 runs scored this season.

Frank Thomas - DH, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 10:31 p.m.Not having made as much progress with his strained quad tendon as expected, Frank Thomas has been told not to participate in any baseball activities until July 1. Fantasy Source spin: The hope was that he'd return next Friday after the A's were finished playing in NL parks, but that won't happen now. As a result, both Daric Barton and Jack Hannahan will keep their jobs. One could be dropped from the roster after Thomas returns.

Kevin Millar - 1B, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 10:26 p.m.Kevin Millar, in the lineup after leaving Thursday's game early, drew three walks and managed to rack up two RBI Friday as the Orioles beat the Pirates. Fantasy Source spin: Seven of the Orioles' starters had at least one hit. Luke Scott contributed a homer, while Ramon Hernandez, Aubrey Huff and Brian Roberts drove in runs. Millar is hitting .251 with 36 RBI this season.

Michael Cuddyer - OF, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 9:23 p.m.Michael Cuddyer left Friday's game in the first inning with a bruised right hand. Fantasy Source spin: X-rays were negative after Cuddyer was hit by a David Bush pitch. Delmon Young, who was supposed to get a rare day off, replaced Cuddyer in the game against the Brewers.

Hank Blalock - 3B, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 7:51 p.m.Hank Blalock (carpal tunnel syndrome) will begin a rehab assignment Monday and hopes to be activated before next weekend. Fantasy Source spin: Blalock took two rounds of batting practice Friday for the first time since undergoing wrist surgery at the end of May. "My hand feels a little weak for not having heat in so long but I'll get as many repetitions this weekend as I can and go from there," he said. He'll start his rehab Monday at Triple-A Oklahoma, but should be in the minors for only three or four games. The Rangers still plan to start him at first base once he returns.Source: Rangers.mlb.com

Manny Ramirez - OF, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 6:37 p.m.Manny Ramirez is making his first start in left field in 11 days against the Reds on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: He can't DH in a National League park. Ramirez has been bothered by a strained right hamstring, and there's a good chance he would have missed at least a few games if not for David Ortiz's absence opening up the DH spot.

Ryan Sweeney - OF, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 6:02 p.m.Athletics activated outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Sweeney should reclaim his job as the center fielder against right-handers. Carlos Gonzalez will move to right field, though he could continue to play center against some lefties. That would put Emil Brown in right.

Travis Buck - OF, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 13, 6:01 p.m.Athletics optioned outfielder Travis Buck to Triple-A Sacramento. Fantasy Source spin: Buck and Carlos Gonzalez had essentially produced at the same rate since they were recalled on the same day, though they went about it differently (Gonzalez had the better average by 90 points; Buck had a 3-0 lead in homers and a 7-1 edge in walks). As similar as they were, we figured Buck would be the one to stay. However, the A's will keep Gonzalez for now and shift him over to right field. Expect him to play pretty regularly there.

Carl Crawford - OF, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 5:03 p.m.Carl Crawford will begin serving his four-game suspension with Friday's game against the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: He might need a break anyway, as he's been playing for weeks like he's banged up. Crawford's absence finally gets Cliff Floyd back into the lineup tonight. He will DH, with Eric Hinske playing left field and Willy Aybar at first base.Source: St. Petersburg Times

Sean Casey - 1B, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 5:00 p.m.Sean Casey appealed his three-game suspension which was due to begin on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Casey's suspension was supposed to start the game after Coco Crisp's ended. That's the way MLB does it, even though it knows 95 percent of the players are going to appeal anyway.Source: RedSox.mlb.com

Alberto Gonzalez - 3B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 2:54 p.m.The Yankees recalled Alberto Gonzalez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Fantasy Source spin: The Yankees weren't using Shelley Duncan's bat, so they decided to fill his roster spot with someone who at least offers some defensive versatility. Barring an injury, Gonzalez figures to see little action.

Shelley Duncan - 1B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 2:52 p.m.The Yankees optioned Shelley Duncan to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Fantasy Source spin: Duncan is 10-for-57 (.175) on the season and had just one at-bat since May 30, thanks in part to the Yankees facing only one lefthander over the past 13 games.

Chone Figgins - 3B, Los Angeles Angels
Jun. 13, 12:10 p.m.The Angels activated Chone Figgins from the disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Figgins' made it through just one game before heading back to the disabled list last time, but he'll slide right into the starting lineup. He is a safe fantasy play after going 2-for-10 during a minor league rehab assignment.

Travis Hafner - DH, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 13, 9:26 a.m.Travis Hafner might not be fully recovered when the Indians bring him back in the coming weeks. Fantasy Source spin: The team's head trainer said it would be "hard to speculate" if Hafner will be 100 percent. And manager Eric Wedge says "it's just a question of what percentage he can give us." Hafner's ailing shoulder has been used as an excuse for his struggles thus far this season, and while it might be improved when he returns, it doesn't seem it will be healed.Source: Akron Beacon Journal

Luke Scott - OF, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 9:04 a.m.Orioles manager Dave Trembley indicated Thursday that he plans on starting Luke Scott more often against lefthanded pitchers. Fantasy Source spin: In 146 career at-bats against southpaws, Scott has a .240 average with four home runs. Fantasy leaguers might do well to continue to selectively use him as a fourth outfielder, especially against tougher lefties, until he shows that he can handle them. He has a .297 average with 10 homers in in 158 at-bats against righties this season.Source: Baltimore Sun

Billy Butler - DH, Kansas City Royals
Jun. 13, 4:09 a.m.Billy Butler homered, doubled and walked Thursday for Triple-A Omaha. Fantasy Source spin: With Butler tearing it up since being optioned out and Ross Gload still doing nothing to justify his existance, the Royals need to be seriously thinking about giving the 22-year-old another chance. He's hitting .377/.441/.679 with three homers and just two strikeouts in 53 at-bats.

Hideki Matsui - DH, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:56 a.m.Playing on his 34th birthday, Hideki Matsui hit his fifth major league grand slam to give the Yankees all of their runs in a 4-1 win over the A's on Thursday night. Fantasy Source spin: Matsui's seventh homer in the year followed an infield single and two walks that Joe Blanton was quite unhappy about. He had been without an extra-base hit in 33 at-bats this month.

Robinson Cano - 2B, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:50 a.m.Robinson Cano went hitless on Thursday to finish 0-for-12 in the series against the A's. Fantasy Source spin: Cano hit .295 in May, but he's at .224 with just one RBI through 49 at-bats in June. While it was mid-July last year before he went on his tear to finish with strong numbers, he was better than this during the first 2 1/2 months. The Yankees need more from him.Pitchers

R.A. Dickey - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 14, 1:16 a.m.R.A. Dickey, who was moved into the rotation as a temporary replacement for Miguel Batista, was lit up by the Nationals on Friday, surrendering seven runs in 1 2/3 innings. Fantasy Source spin: Dickey has been terrific in relief, but he's been roughed up in both of his starts for the Mariners this season. If he's not better next time out, there's a good chance that he'll find himself right back in the bullpen.

Greg Smith - SP, Oakland Athletics
Jun. 14, 1:12 a.m.Greg Smith allowed one run over five innings Friday in a defeat of the Athletics. Fantasy Source spin: Smith overcame six walks, something he probably wouldn't have been able to do versus an American League club. The win was just his second in his last nine starts. If he doesn't impress over the next couple of weeks, he might cease being worth using in AL-only leagues once the A's resume facing AL teams.Next start: 6/13: @SF

Zack Greinke - SP, Kansas City Royals
Jun. 14, 12:44 a.m.Despite issuing seven walks, Zack Greinke shut out the Diamondbacks for seven innings on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: One of the walks was intentional. Greinke allowed just three hits, all of which were singles, so the Diamondbacks never could score. Since he didn't have many long at-bats outside of the walks, he threw only 111 pitches in the contest.Next start: 6/13: @ARI

Gavin Floyd - SP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:41 p.m.Gavin Floyd allowed four runs -- all coming on solo homers -- in 6 1/3 innings Friday in a no-decision against the Rockies. Fantasy Source spin: As a flyball pitcher, Floyd is going to have nights like this. He gave up Ian Stewart's third and fourth career homers tonight, as well as the first hit by Willy Taveras since last June 16. Brad Hawpe hit the fourth and final homer. They were the only hits Floyd allowed.Next start: 6/13: COL

Kevin Slowey - SP, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 11:33 p.m.Kevin Slowey allowed two runs in eight innings and had a two-run single in the Twins' 10-2 win over the Brewers on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Slowey was shelled by the White Sox last time out, so he still has a 4.70 ERA for the season. However, he's allowed three runs or fewer in seven of his nine starts. Mixed leaguers should strongly consider him with the Nationals and Padres next on the schedule.Next start: 6/13: @MIL

Joba Chamberlain - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 11:20 p.m.Joba Chamberlain lasted six innings in his third major league start and held the Astros to one run in a game the Yankees would win 2-1. Fantasy Source spin: Derek Jeter's homer in the eighth was the difference. Shawn Chacon also pitched one-run ball for 6 1/3 innings, so Chamberlain is still looking for his first victory as a starter. He walked four and struck out just two tonight, but all six hits he allowed were singles.

Kyle Farnsworth - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 11:18 p.m.With Mariano Rivera needing a day off, Kyle Farnsworth got a save chance in a 2-1 game against the Astros on Friday and pitched a scoreless ninth. Fantasy Source spin: They just don't get any more reliable. Farnsworth hit Ty Wigginton to start the inning, but that didn't stop the Astros from having Michael Bourn try to bunt. A popup followed, and the only reason it wasn't a double play -- Bourn made no attempt to run out of the box -- was that Farnsworth was too dense to drop the ball. After that, Wigginton, a noted speed demon who swiped seven bases just four years ago, was thrown out trying to steal second. Reggie Abercrombie, who is in MLB only because of his legs, remained in the dugout throughout. Geoff Blum then fanned to end the game. It was Farnsworth's first save since 2006 and the 52nd time Cecil Cooper was outmanaged this season.

Armando Galarraga - SP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 11:08 p.m.Armando Galarraga pitched seven innings of shutout ball Friday as the Tigers blanked the Dodgers 5-0. Fantasy Source spin: Galarraga moves to 6-2 on the year. The Dodgers managed only three hits as Galarraga walked only one and fanned five. He's definitely worth a shot in AL-only leagues and some deep mixed leagues, especially now that he has some job security resulting from Jeremy Bonderman's injury. There's no reason to think he won't pitch well against the Giants next week.Next start: 6/13: LAD

A.J. Burnett - SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 10:58 p.m.A.J. Burnett held the Cubs to four hits and two earned runs over five innings Friday as the Blue Jays beat the Cubs 3-2. Fantasy Source spin: Burnett wasn't great. He walked four batters, but made a big stride from his horrible performance last week. He did manage seven strikeouts however and lowered his season ERA to 4.90. Burnett could move above .500 with a win over the Brewers next week.Next start: 6/13: CHC

Andy Sonnanstine - SP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 10:49 p.m.Andy Sonnanstine moved to 7-3 Friday night, but allowed three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings to the Marlins. Fantasy Source spin: Sonnanstine pitched a little better than those numbers sound. He had a rough first inning, but retired 12 batters in a row between the second and fifth. He didn't walk a man and struck out six. He'll meet the Cubs next.Next start: 6/13: FLA

Brian Burres - SP, Baltimore Orioles
Jun. 13, 10:34 p.m.Brian Burres allowed six earned runs in six innings Friday to the Pirates, but the offense carried him to a win. Fantasy Source spin: Burres let up eight hits and walked three. His control was off, but after a rough third inning he didn't allow a run. The bullpen was perfect through the end of the game when George Sherrill picked up his 22nd save. Burres now carries a 5.28 record and probably doesn't deserve a spot in the Orioles' rotation. If he gets another start, it'll be against the Astros.Next start: 6/13: PIT

Scott Feldman - SP, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 10:12 p.m.Scott Feldman got lit up Friday by the Mets, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- over five innings. Fantasy Source spin: The Mets managed eight hits off Feldman, who also walked two. He struck out just one batter, and moves to 1-3 on the year. He's up against the Braves next week, though he shouldn't be considered as a spot starter by even the most desperate of fantasy leaguers.Next start: 6/18: ATL

Justin Masterson - SP, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 9:42 p.m.Justin Masterson struck out nine, but allowed three earned runs in a loss to the Reds Friday night. Fantasy Source spin: Masterson let up only four hits, but walked three and served up homers to Jay Bruce and Adam Dunn. Masterson falls to 3-1, but those strikeouts and his 2.90 ERA are plenty of reason to get AL-only leaguers excited. He'll have a tough test against the Phillies next week, but he's definitely worth owning.Next start: 6/13: @CIN

Jeremy Accardo - RP, Toronto Blue Jays
Jun. 13, 8:47 p.m.Jeremy Accardo's ailing forearm flared up Thursday during a rehab appearance. He'll be out several days. Fantasy Source spin: Accardo has been on the disabled list since May 10 with a right forearm strain. He had yielded one run on three hits in two innings for Single-A Dunedin, but might need to start his rehab from scratch after this incident.Source: BlueJays.mlb.com

Juan Rincon - RP, Minnesota Twins
Jun. 13, 8:41 p.m.Juan Rincon has rejected his assignment to Triple-A Rochester. Fantasy Source spin: The Twins now have 10 days to trade or release the struggling reliever. His career stats should lead to some offers, but there's a good chance he ends up just getting released. Rincon had a 2.93 ERA from 2003-2006, but has definitely been a bit off recently. He had a 6.11 ERA in 28 innings this season. "I've got to go do something, find another team to make it back to the big leagues," he said.

Joaquin Benoit - RP, Texas Rangers
Jun. 13, 7:30 p.m.The Rangers are considering placing Joaquin Benoit on the disabled list to make room for Saturday's starter Kason Gabbard. Fantasy Source spin: The Rangers would probably prefer to throw Robinson Tejada and his 13.50 ERA on the DL, but Benoit has been complaining of shoulder pain this week and hasn't pitched since last weekend. Benoit has allowed six runs in his last three appearances, so some extended rest might be good for everyone. "He hasn't been what he was last year and we'd like to get him back to where he's normal again," said pitching coach Mark Connor. The move will be made early Saturday.Source: Rangers.mlb.com

Al Reyes - RP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 6:50 p.m.Rays placed RHP Al Reyes on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 10, with right shoulder tendinitis. Fantasy Source spin: Reyes has been battling his shoulder all year, and this is his second DL stint. He has a 4.02 ERA in 15 2/3 innings.

Troy Percival - RP, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Jun. 13, 6:50 p.m.Rays activated RHP Troy Percival from the 15-day disabled list. Fantasy Source spin: Percival will resume closing right away, putting Dan Wheeler back into a setup role.

Jordan Tata - SP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 6:41 p.m.Tigers sent RHP Jordan Tata outright to Single-A Lakeland. Fantasy Source spin: Tata isn't hopeless, but since he has been awful in the Florida State League of late, there was little chance of him getting claimed. A smart move by the Tigers to free up a spot on the 40-man.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - SP, Boston Red Sox
Jun. 13, 5:49 p.m.Daisuke Matsuzaka is expected to make a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday and rejoin the Red Sox five days later. Fantasy Source spin: That means Justin Masterson should make two more starts, including tonight's, before returning to the minors. Dice-K has been out since May 27 with a strained shoulder.

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 4:58 p.m.White Sox placed RHP Esteban Loaiza on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 12, with a right shoulder inflammation. Fantasy Source spin: Instead of being released, Loaiza heads back to the DL with a supposed injury. The White Sox probably won't consider bringing him back until after he makes a few rehab starts.

J.J. Putz - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 13, 3:03 p.m.The Mariners placed J.J. Putz on the disabled list, retroactive to June 12, with a hyperextended right elbow. Fantasy Source spin: Manager John McLaren initially expressed optimism that Putz would avoid the DL, but he'll now miss at least two weeks after leaving his Wednesday appearance in obvious discomfort. Brandon Morrow takes over as the Mariners' closer and gains a ton of fantasy value after dominating in 22 outings as a setup man.

Roy Corcoran - RP, Seattle Mariners
Jun. 13, 3:00 p.m.The Mariners recalled Roy Corcoran from Triple-A Tacoma. Fantasy Source spin: Corcoran replaces J.J. Putz on the roster and has minor league closing experience. But he merely will fill a middle-relief role with the Mariners after posting a 5.02 ERA and 11/13 K/BB ratio in 14.1 innings at Triple-A.

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 11:05 a.m.The White Sox's official site reports that the team is expected to release Esteban Loaiza prior to Friday's game. Fantasy Source spin: The team had been unhappy with his conditioning, and wasn't pleased that he could reach only the low 80s on the radar gun. The 10-day experiment of having Loaiza pitch in mop-up situations didn't hurt, but the Sox clearly feel he no longer has his best stuff. Adam Russell likely will be called up to take his place.Source: WhiteSox.mlb.com

Joba Chamberlain - RP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 10:27 a.m.Joba Chamberlain will be allowed to throw around 95 pitches in his start on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: Assuming he lasts that long, the outing effectively will end his pitch count. Chamberlain says his body has been responding well to getting stretched out, and that his legs are "getting there."Source: Newsday

Joel Zumaya - RP, Detroit Tigers
Jun. 13, 9:47 a.m.Joel Zumaya (shoulder) said Thursday that he reached 100 mph on the radar gun in a recent outing. Fantasy Source spin: Good news considering he's coming off reconstructive shoulder surgery. Zumaya is reportedly 25-30 pounds lighter after undergoing his rehab regimen, and also admitted that he considered retiring after suffering his injury. The Tigers hope to have him back on June 20.Source: Detroit Free Press

Jake Westbrook - SP, Cleveland Indians
Jun. 13, 9:22 a.m.Jake Westbrook had successful Tommy John surgery on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was transferred to the 60-dat DL on Friday. Fantasy Source spin: He'll fly to Cleveland today and begin physical therapy for what should be a 10-14 month rehab.Source: Akron Beacon Journal

Esteban Loaiza - RP, Chicago White Sox
Jun. 13, 9:18 a.m.The White Sox were disappointed to realize that Esteban Loaiza hadn't been working out or throwing before they signed him on on June 4. Fantasy Source spin: In all fairness, it probably doesn't take a ton of work to maintain his low-80s fastball. He's issued just one run in three innings of work for the White Sox, but the team is clearly not satisfied with his stuff. "We would like to see more, see more fastball. We know he has pitchability. He's going to have some time to show us, but we have our work cut out for us," pitching coach Don Cooper said.Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Andy Pettitte - SP, New York Yankees
Jun. 13, 12:54 a.m.Andy Pettitte threw eight innings and allowed one run Thursday in a win over the A's. Fantasy Source spin: Pettitte followed up one of the worst outings of his career (10 ER in 6 2/3 IP versus Kansas City) with his best performance since April 20. Still, he is sporting a 4.45 ERA despite a particularly easy schedule. Not one of his 14 starts to date has come against a team in the top 10 in the majors in runs scored.Next start: 6/18: SD

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