AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Johan Santana (@SEA, TEX) – It goes without saying that fantasy owners need to take advantage of starting Santana whenever he starts twice in a week. In his last three games, the Twins’ lefty has only allowed seven runs over 19 innings of work.
Roy Halladay (LAA, BAL) – This hasn’t been Halladay’s best season, but with a 13-5 mark, the majority of AL pitchers would kill for his won-loss record. Halladay is also an impressive 9-1 at home in 12 starts.
Felix Hernandez (MIN, CHW) – Hernandez has pitched at least six innings in eight consecutive games and also sports a respectable 3.49 ERA in his last 10 starts. Although the 21-year-old right-hander hasn’t had the breakout season many expected, he remains a viable starter down the stretch.
James Shields (@BOS, CLE) – I realize Shields has is facing two tough opponents, but the other option was Chien-Ming Wang and he got rocked in his last start against Toronto. Regardless, Shields hasn't surrendered more than three runs in his last three starts and has fanned 22 batters in 18 2/3 innings.
FORGET THEM
Odalis Perez (TOR, @OAK) – The loser of three of his last four starts, Perez has been erratic to say the least. The Royals’ hurler went only three innings during his last outing against the Twins and was charged with six runs (three earned).
Chad Gaudin (@DET, K.C.) – Gaudin’s season has gone awry over the last month. The A’s right-hander has lost five straight decisions, allowing 31 earned runs in his last six games.
Kyle Davies (@TEX, @OAK) – Shutting down the Twins in 6 2/3 innings last Thursday was impressive, but would you trust a guy with a 5.64 ERA? I didn’t think so.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Aaron Harang (@CHC, @MIL) – Don’t fret about Harang’s next two opponents. The Cubs and Brewers will pose some problems, but Harang (11-3, 3.37 ERA) has only given up 12 earned runs in his last seven games.
Carlos Zambrano (CIN, STL) – It’s no coincidence that Zambrano has been a key component to the Cubs’ surge and disregard his last outing against Houston. Prior to that rough outing, Zambrano allowed just three runs in five games.
Matt Cain (@PIT, @FLA) – Let’s make one thing clear: Cain is not a 4-12 pitcher. His 3.77 season ERA just shows what lousy run support the Giants have given him in 2007.
Roy Oswalt (@LAD, @S.D.) – Oswalt has been on fire over the last four games, allowing only two runs during that stretch en route to four straight wins.
FORGET THEM
Shane Youman (S.F., PHI) – Youman puts too many base runners on for my liking. The rookie has also lost three of his last four games and should remain on the bench.
Brett Tomko (HOU, COL) – About the only positive thing I can say about Tomko is that he pitches for the Dodgers. His 2-9 record and 5.49 ERA should be enough incentive to stay away from him.
Matt Albers (@LAD, @S.D.) – This kid has a promising future but would you take the risk of starting him against the Dodgers and Padres this late in the season? I know I wouldn’t.
QUICK HITS
It’s hard to believe the transformation of the Cardinals’ Rick Ankiel. The former prized pitcher was hitting .267 with 32 homers and 89 RBIs in 102 games at Triple-A Memphis before getting the call to the big leagues. All the 27-year-old outfielder did when he arrived in St. Louis was hit a three-run home run in his first game against the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
It certainly looks like Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford is over is wrist injury. Following Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers, Crawford finished off his 11-game hit streak going 2-for-5. Aside from his recent play, Crawford – as of Friday - was also hitting .433 since the All-Star break and is the game’s best hitter in day games (.417).
Speaking of hot streaks, newly acquired slugger Mark Teixeira is off to a great start since heading to Atlanta at the July 31 trade deadline. Teixeira has smacked four home runs in eight games and looks to have another great second half.