Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week August 4 ? 10 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Kelly Shoppach, C, Indians: Despite the fact that his team has been downright atrocious this season, their backup catcher has shined over the past month, producing a .318 average with six homers and 14 RBI. He may stick behind the plate when Victor Martinez returns in August, with Martinez shifting to first to protect his surgically repaired elbow while pushing struggling Ryan Garko to the pine.

Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox: He's struggled some since his recall from Triple A, but there are reasons to believe a turnaround is on the horizon. He's striking out a batter per inning in the majors, and has been the victim of bad luck with .373 average on balls in play (average is .300). He'll get a road start against the lowly Royals this week, and will look to gain some momentum heading into a weekend start against the White Sox. If you're looking for an upgrade to your pitching staff going forward, he could still be available on waivers, and is well worth even a mixed-league flyer.

Bench 'em

Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox: The last week has been rough on the Red Sox third baseman, with a batting average of .174 and only two runs batted in. He's had only five extra-base hits during the past month, and only one home run -- his most prolonged funk of the season. Some nice corner infield options can still be had on the waiver wire, so kick this guy to the curb.

Zach Greinke, SP, Royals: He's been a bit too hittable over the past month (1.57 WHIP) and that has led to an inflated ERA of 5.22. He's given up at least six hits in each of his last seven starts, and only gets one turn against the Twins this week, making him a risky play in mixed league formats.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Fernando Tatis, OF, Mets: Once nothing but a bum on the scrap heap, this former 30-homer bat is now the starting left fielder in New York, with the Mets failing to upgrade their outfield at the trade deadline. His .397 average over the past month, with six homers and 18 RBI, is something to get excited about, especially if you're looking to roster a hot bat for this upcoming scoring period.

Jair Jurrjens, SP, Braves: He brings a tidy 3.06 ERA and 6.61 K/9 into a two-start week against the Giants and the Diamondbacks, both on the road. He's been even more difficult to face on the road this season, evident by his 2.77 ERA away from home. Facing two offenses struggling to produce runs on a consistent basis makes this play even more enticing.

Bench 'em

Juan Pierre/Andre Ethier/Andruw Jones, OF, Dodgers: With Manny Ramirez coming over to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and Matt Kemp establishing himself as a budding superstar, it now means there is one spot left for these three outfielders to split. Ethier and Pierre have each had their moments this season, and Jones has been one of the worst offseason investments in recent memory. What they have in common is being part of a most dubious platoon situation, one sure to end badly for both the players and your fantasy team.

Joe Blanton, SP, Phillies: So far in his Phillies career, he's logged eight innings and given up seven earned runs, not quite what the organization had in mind after giving up a handful of top prospects for him. He'll get only one turn this week at home against the Pirates, whom he's never faced. The move to the National League is not as helpful as it seems when you factor in his old (pitcher-friendly) and new (hitter haven) parks.

 Tags  Andre Ethier Andruw Jones baseball Clay Buchholz Fernando Tatis Jair Jurrjens Joe Blanton Juan Pierre Kelly Shoppach Mike Lowell Rob Steingall Weekly planner Zach Greinke

---