9:37 AM Sat, May 31, 2008 | Permalink
Mike McDermott  Email
|
By Rob Steingall
These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 2-8 unless otherwise suggested.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put'em in
Mike Lamb, 3B, Twins: After disappointing over the first eight weeks, the Twins third baseman has finally shown some signs of life, posting a batting average over .400 during the past week with three multi-hit games. He’ll face a struggling Orioles staff this week before hitting the road to face the White Sox, hoping to improve on his .338 road batting average. Give him a look if you’re in need of a corner infielder this upcoming period.
Rich Harden, SP, Athletics: Those who took a flier on this fragile ace in the late rounds of fantasy drafts are getting a great return on their gamble, evident by his 3.42 E.R.A. in May and wins in two of four starts. Gets two starts at home this week against the Tigers and the Angels and sports a 1.50 homer E.R.A.
Bench 'em
Raúl Ibañez, OF, Mariners: His recent numbers scream slump (2 hits in 27 at-bats, 0 runs scored, 6 runs batted in over his past 14 games). It doesn’t appear to end this coming week with matchups against the Angels and the Red Sox, two staffs who are firing on all cylinders. He hit .276 last June, so a rebound could be in the works, but reserve him until he comes around.
Brian Bannister, SP, Royals: Kansas City’s control artist really struggled in May, posting only one quality start, and an E.R.A. of 6.03 on his way to a 1-3 record. Getting only one start this week, on the road against the Yankees, is a less than favorable scenario.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put'em in
Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Padres: Despite playing for a struggling club, “Kouz” has thrived during the past week, hitting .320 while blasting four home runs. He faces the Cubs and the Mets this week at home, where he has hit seven of his eight home runs this year. Could be a long-term solution at third if he matches last season’s second-half production (.317 average, 11 home runs, 37 RBI).
Bronson Arroyo, SP, Reds: After getting pounded in his first start this month, he responded with four quality turns and three wins to close the month. He gets two road starts this week against the Phillies and the Marlins, looking to continue his quality pitching away from home. He held the Marlins scoreless for seven innings in May, making him a strong play this week.
Bench 'em
James Loney, 1B, Dodgers: Nothing good has come out of the past week for the Dodgers first baseman, as he’s been frustrated by getting only 2 hits in 22 at-bats, and not drawing a single walk during that stretch. Already a questionable play due to his lack of power for a first baseman, he’s now delivering very little average and isn't scoring because he can't find his way on base. The talent is there, but wait until he shows it before moving him back into your starting lineup.
Ian Snell, SP, Pirates: After breaking out in ’07, the Pirates’ hurler has really struggled this season, giving up 4 or more earned runs in 6 of his 11 starts. More alarming is the rise in BB/9 rate (2.9 in ’07, 4.4 in ’08) and drop in K/9 rate (7.7 in ’07, 6.3 in ’08) he’s experienced this season. His pitching coach says the frustration is due to trying to make the perfect pitch, which should be the red flag you need to reserve him until he can return to his ’07 form.
New comments
New photos
Authors
New posts
Projo blogs
Archives
Leave a comment