AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Justin Verlander (@CLE, K.C.) – Verlander has been a stud all year and the past four games have been no exception. During that stretch, the Tigers’ right-hander has won all four games, while allowing only three runs.
Kelvim Escobar (T.B., SEA) – Escobar has been one of the hottest pitchers in the AL and should be a terrific option with the season nearing its conclusion. Despite some struggles, Escobar has won six of his last seven games and, along with Verlander, is a CY Young candidate.
Javier Vazquez (@K.C., @MIN) – I know this is a risky pick, but Vazquez has been solid for most of this season. In his last start against a tough Cleveland ball club, Vazquez went 6 1/3 innings, surrendering only one run for his 12th victory of the season.
A.J. Burnett (BOS, @NYY) – The Blue Jays’ offense let Burnett down his last two games, but the right-hander has been terrific in the second half of the season. While he’s only won three of his last seven contests, Burnett has allowed just 10 runs in that time.
FORGET THEM
Miguel Batista (@OAK, LAA) – Although his has a winning record, Batista (13-11) has given up six or more runs in three of his last five games.
Kenny Rogers (@CLE, K.C.) – Sorry, but that 4.50 ERA scares me to death.
Edwin Jackson (@ANA, BOS) – Jackson has been an ERA nightmare through most of the season. Plus, look who his next two opponents are for this week.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Brandon Webb (S.F., LAD) – Webb has already matched his win total (16) from last year that enabled him to win the NL Cy Young Award. His 2.99 ERA is also ranks as one of the best in baseball.
Aaron Harang (@CHC, S.F.) – Harang’s record (15-4) and ERA (3.65) make him a viable starter down the stretch.
John Mayne (@WAS, @FLA) – Mayne has allowed more than three runs just once in his last six games.
Chad Billingsley (COL, @COL) – At 11-4, Billingsley is one of the safest options this late in the season. He’s allowed only six runs in his last five games and sports a terrific 3.14 ERA for the season.
FORGET THEM
Tony Armas (@S.D., @CHC) – Despite a late surge, Armas remains a risky pick because of his season 6.07 ERA.
Dave Bush (@HOU, @ATL) – Bush has allowed 17 runs in his last four games and is as cold as any pitcher in the NL.
Justin Germano (PIT, COL) – Germano was tagged with 10 runs in his last two games, prompting fantasy owners to quickly dive off his bandwagon.
QUICK HITS
Not even the most ardent supporters could’ve predicted the breakout season of second-year man Prince Fielder. The Brewers’ slugger has smashed 45 home runs and 108 RBI, making him a heavy favorite to win the NL MVP Award.
It doesn’t matter if it was two games, any time fantasy owners have to see Tampa Bay outfielder Carl Crawford serving a suspension this late in the season, it’s still a loss. Crawford returned Saturday against Seattle, but this kid is a game-changer every time he steps on the field.
Indians lefty C.C. Sabathia probably feels like this his best shot at winning the AL Cy Young Award. As of Friday, Sabathia ranked third in the AL in wins (17), fourth in strikeouts (185), third in ERA (3.15). He is also second in complete games (4) and led the majors in innings (220).