10:15 PM Fri, Jul 11, 2008 | Permalink
Mike McDermott  Email
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By Rob Steingall
These recommendations are only for the fantasy week July 14 - 20, unless otherwise suggested.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Jason Kubel, OF, Twins: He's been on a tear the past month, posting a .324 batting average and clubbing six home runs. He'll be facing the mediocre Rangers staff in Arlington following the All-Star break, increasing the chances of fly balls leaving the yard.
Grant Balfour, RP, Rays: The Rays have used him in save situations since Troy Percival went down, and he responded with two saves last week. He's been great since joining the club, posting 31 strikeouts in just 19 2/3 innings this season. He'll be facing the Jays this week and their two top hurlers, meaning tight games and save opportunities are on the horizon in this short scoring period.
Bench 'em
Edgar Renteria, SS, Tigers: He's back in the AL, and back to being just an average middle-infield option. Posting an average of .222 during the past month with only three runs batted in has increased his availability on the waiver wire in mixed leagues, and news of a sore hamstring isn't helping his productivity. Facing the Orioles this week at Camden Yards could be troublesome for the Tigers shortstop; he's a career .227 hitter there.
Joe Blanton, SP, Athletics: This portly hurler has watched his E.R.A. balloon recently (7.22 during the past month), and in the process drive down his trade value. After the break, he'll face the Yankees, who have already beaten him once during the year. Last July, he pitched his way to an E.R.A. of 5.49 - about par for his '08 course. Don't be surprised if that trend continues this year.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Adam LaRoche, 1B, Pirates: Like clockwork, he's awakened from his spring slumber, posting a .329 batting average with four home runs during the past month. Note his .321 average with four home runs last July, another indicator his hot-hitting ways will continue. A trip to Colorado already booked following the break makes him a must-play this week.
Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies: This young gun is riding a recent surge, winning three of his last four starts, while posting an E.R.A. of 1.93 over the past month. He'll look to continue his winning ways at home against the Pirates, where he has posted an E.R.A. of 2.67 this season.
Bench 'em
Bengie Molina, C, Giants: Bengie has really been a dog during the past month, posting a .178 batting average and scoring only three runs over that span. He'll be facing the Brewers after the break, meaning a matchup with Ben Sheets and new hired gun CC Sabathia. Find a better option behind the dish.
Pedro Martinez, SP, Mets: He's been brutal on fantasy owners ratios during the past month, posting a 6.84 E.R.A. and 1.67 WHIP. Things aren't going well for you when the media is asking you if you plan on retiring after the season, something that this former great has had to deal with more frequently recently. He'll take his 7.45 road E.R.A. with him on a trip to hitter-friendly Cincinnati this week.
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