1:00 PM Fri, Aug 22, 2008 | Permalink
Mike McDermott  Email
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By Rob Steingall
These recommendations are only for the fantasy week Aug. 25 to 31, unless otherwise suggested.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Adam Lind, OF, Blue Jays: He's been a pleasant surprise for the Jays since his recall from Syracuse on June 20, posting team-leading numbers in batting (.329), home runs (9) and RBIs (35) over that span. He's on the road this week against the Yankees and the Rays, teams against which he's hit .300 to date.
Gil Meche, SP, Royals: A fantasy ace flying under the radar, he's posted a 2.29 ERA and a 3-0 record over the past month. This August, opponents are batting .189 against him, proof that he has been nearly unhittable recently. His two starts this week come against the Rangers and the Tigers, offenses that have shown inconsistencies this month.
Bench 'em
Frank Thomas, OF, Athletics: The "Big Hurt" has been doing nothing but hurting his owners' batting average and power numbers since returning from the DL, evident by his post-injury .176 batting average and single home run. It took him about a month and a half to get going to start the season, so a power surge looks to still be a few weeks off. He may be a name to target come September, but leave him on your bench or the wire for now.
Jon Garland, SP, Angels: He's been his vintage self this season, eating innings and doing just enough to pick up victories for the best team in baseball. He is an absolute must-bench this week facing in his lone start the A's, a team that has made him look like a charity case this season (1-3 record, 7.48 ERA).
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Mike Cameron, OF, Brewers: The Brewers are getting a lift from their center fielder during their current hot streak, as he's filled up the stat sheet during the past month (.278 average, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 4 SB), much to fantasy owners' delight. He's on the road all week, where he's hit .284 this season with 16 long balls, making him a good spot start for the upcoming scoring period.
Mike Pelfrey, SP, Mets: Coming off his first career complete game, he's been solid over the past month, with a 4-2 record and a 3.99 ERA. If you dig a little deeper, you'll see he's 10-2 since June, and has been dominant at times. He gets two starts this week, against the Astros and the Marlins, teams either missing or with banged-up offensive stars.
Bench 'em
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals: The .287 average since a return from the DL isn't bad, but zero homers and only seven runs batted are pathetic. The lineup he plays in doesn't help matters, but it's obvious the power hasn't returned yet, making him a huge question mark going forward. He's still a nice long-term option, but will need to find his power before being counted on again this season in mixed formats.
Chris Volstad, SP, Marlins: I really like this kid going forward, but I don't like his matchup this week against the Braves, who have beaten him once already this season. The biggest issue for him will be getting his walks under control; the 4.23 BB/9 is pretty ugly. And teams are now seeing him for a second time. Be cautious deploying Volstad the rest of the way.
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