6:26 PM Fri, Aug 08, 2008 | Permalink
Mike McDermott  Email
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By Rob Steingall
These recommendations are only for the fantasy week Aug. 11 to 17, unless otherwise suggested.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Denard Span, OF, Twins: After an extended stint in the minors, this forgotten Twins speedster has claimed the top spot in the batting order, and has responded with a .326 average and 17 runs scored over the past month. His ability to fill up the stat sheet with runs, doubles, triples, steals and the occasional homer make him a valuable asset.
Fausto Carmona, SP, Indians: He'll be making his fourth and fifth starts after coming off the DL in July, so the arm strength should be just about back to normal. His two starts this week come at home against the Orioles and the Angels, where he won 10 games last season. He dominated the Angels back on April 7, going six strong innings while only giving up one unearned run.
Bench 'em
Scott Rolen, 3B, Blue Jays: A horrid last month featuring a .171 average with one home run and 10 runs batted in has eliminated any value he may have in mixed leagues. His .241 average last August shows he can only go up from here, but certainly not enough to warrant a roster spot on your fantasy team.
Gavin Floyd, SP, White Sox: His breakout campaign abruptly slammed into a brick wall during the past month, evident by his 5.47 ERA and 1.78 WHIP. He gets a single road start this week against the A's, which is not good news; his ERA away from U.S. Cellular field this season is 4.72.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in
Lastings Milledge, OF, Nationals: Finally healthy, he's really come on during the past week, smashing four home runs while hitting well over .300. He makes for an interesting power and speed threat from here on out (11 homers and 14 steals in '08), especially if this roll he is on is proof that he has turned the corner from intriguing prospect into player.
Jeff Karstens, SP, Pirates: He's coming off a two-hit shutout of the Diamondbacks, and has pitched 15 scoreless innings since coming over to the Pirates in the Nady/Marte deal with the Yankees. This is an impressive feat for a player considered to be organizational depth. Always grab two-start guys on a roll and his this week come at home against the Reds and the Mets.
Bench 'em
Cristian Guzman, SS, Nationals: Things were looking great for the Nats' shortstop this season: he signed a two-year extension and made the All-Star team. But things have begun to unravel over the past month. He is batting only .226 during that span with seven runs scored. His value takes an additional hit with the news of a nagging thumb injury. Actually, this is the real Guzman most expected to step up. Find another option.
Manny Parra, SP, Brewers: His team is in a tailspin right now that was propelled by a sweep at the hands of the Cubs. Parra recently was assaulted in the dugout by teammate Prince Fielder after a brutal outing. Pair these two negatives with only one start this week on the road against the Dodgers (road ERA of 5.00) and the Parra play becomes too risky.
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