Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week May 26-June 1 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Jose Guillen, OF Royals: On fire over the last week (.333 batting average, two home runs, 12 runs batted in), the Royals' big free-agent signing is started to justify the big contract he earned this winter. Collecting seven multi-hit games this month, he looks to be getting locked in after a brutal first six weeks. Could still be available in your free-agent pool if you're looking for some outfield depth.

Darrell Rasner, SP, Yankees: This unexpected Yankee hero takes his 3-0 record and tidy 1.89 earned-run average into a favorable two-start week against the Orioles and the Twins. He blanked the Orioles over seven innings in his last start, striking out six in the process. Throwing four different pitches for strikes and playing for what is a traditionally dynamic offense bodes well for future success.

Bench 'em

Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins: Mired in a month-long slump (2 for 31 over the past week, .178 batting average in May), this Twin is beginning to find himself on waiver wires across the fantasy sports realm. Don't look for things to improve much this week, facing the Royals and the Yankees, against whom he hit .224 and .222, respectively, in '07.

CJ Wilson, RP, Rangers: When your manager says that he'll "probably" give you the ball in your team's next save situation, it becomes evident that his confidence in you is dwindling. He has both Joaquin Benoit and Eddie Guardado breathing down his neck, making this a situation to watch for anyone looking to vulture saves. With a .226 batting average against on balls in play, look for further E.R.A. and WHIP regression, and an eventual removal from ninth-inning duties.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies: Finally looking like the player he was last season, with a batting average of .391 during the past week and two home runs, the Flyin' Hawaiian looks to continue his hot-hitting ways this week against the Rockies and the Marlins at home. He stole 37 bases last season.

Jason Bergmann, SP, Nationals: After an ugly start to the season and a trip to the minors, this Nats righty has gotten back on track with 14 scoreless innings and 14 strikeouts since being recalled to the big leagues. He gets only one start this week, against the Diamondbacks, but this kind of dominance earns serious consideration for a spot in your rotation. He is striking out a batter per inning, and his BABIP sits at .333 (average is .290 for pitchers), which suggests a continued drop in E.R.A. going forward.

Bench 'em

Brad Hawpe, OF, Rockies: Getting one hit in your last 15 at-bats and finding your way into a platoon due to your futility against lefties is not a good mixture for fantasy success. After two straight years or improving performance, highlighted by a 29-home run and 116-RBI '07 campaign, Hawpe looks like a lost soul this season. Even more alarming is his .288 BABIP, which is right around league average, suggesting this slump may not end anytime soon.

Brett Myers, SP, Phillies: Worries about arm strength, a dip in velocity and tinkering with his throwing program are just some of the red flags that are flying high currently for the fallen Phillies ace. He's given up six earned runs in three of his past six starts, and hasn't won since April 17, crushing the hopes of owners who drafted him looking for a repeat of his excellent '06 campaign. Don't be found guilty of playing Myers and allowing him to assault your team's WHIP and E.R.A. this week.

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