Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 23-29 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Mark Ellis, 2B, Athletics: Those in search of a mixed-league middle infielder should give him a look, as he’s been red hot over the past week, clubbing two home runs while posting a batting average of .400. Expect a slight increase in batting average as his average on balls in play increases (currently .269, .300 is average). This fly-ball hitter is a good bet to match or exceed his career high in home runs he set last season (19).

Brian Bannister, SP, Royals: A great match-up play, the Royals’ control specialist gets two home starts this week (Rockies and Cardinals). His E.R.A. there is 2.80. He posted a solid performance earlier in the season against the Cards, allowing only two earned runs while going seven strong innings on his way to a victory.

Bench 'em

Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Angels: He’s been an absolute dog over the past week, going 4 for his last 21 with zero home runs or RBI over that span. He’ll be on the road all week, where he's posted a .238 batting average so far this season. Scour your waiver wire for a replacement; his ‘06 numbers are never coming back.

Jered Weaver, SP, Angels: He got absolutely shelled by the Mets early last week (six earned runs in 6 1/3 innings) and has given up at least four runs in three of his past four stars. He’ll get one turn this week against the Dodgers on the road, where he’s been brutal this season (5.98 E.R.A.).

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put'em in

Willy Taveras, OF, Rockies: After word came that he’d be splitting time in center field with Ryan Spilborghs, Fast Willy caught fire by going 7 for his last 23 with 7 steals. He currently leads the National League in stolen bases with 31, and could swipe more than 60 by the time the season is through. Owners in search of steals could still find him on their waiver wires, and will get a great return on that meager investment if he continues hitting at his current pace.

Derek Lowe, SP, Dodgers: On a nice roll as of late, posting a 1.96 E.R.A. over his past six starts. He posted a 2.43 E.R.A. last June, so this is a traditionally good month for the Dodgers’ hurler. Getting two home starts against the White Sox and the Angels this week should help keep that number low, as he’s posted a 3.11 E.R.A. at Dodger Stadium this season.

Bench 'em

Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Reds: Since hitting home run number 600, the future Hall of Famer has slumped mightily. Lots of trade talk has swirled around him over the past week, with Tampa Bay being a possible destination. Perhaps this has caused his focus to wander. A trade could energize his fading career, something all true baseball fans would love to see.

Jason Marquis, SP, Cubs: He’s crept onto some rosters thanks to his recent three-game winning streak and a vote of confidence from manager Lou Pinella. He’ll get a start on the road against the White Sox this week, a squad that hit him hard last season (five earned runs in six innings). His lack of strikeouts (4.48 K/9) should be reason alone not to roster him; but if you’re looking for more, notice his his career 1.43 WHIP.

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