Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 30–July 6, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Mike Aviles, SS, Royals: The Royals could have a diamond in the rough on their hands, as their new shortstop has proved quite valuable since replacing Tony Pena earlier this month (.333 average, 3 home runs, 14 RBI). He’s got eight multi-hit games in June, and gets four games against the struggling Orioles staff this upcoming week.

Luke Hochevar, SP, Royals: For the second straight week, I can’t help but recommend one of the Royals' talented young hurlers. This former first overall pick is finally showing some of his potential, going 2-0 with a 4.02 E.R.A. in five June starts. He went eight innings last week, the longest outing of his career, en route to a victory against the Rockies. He’ll look to continue that momentum this week in starts against the Orioles and the Rays.

Bench 'em

Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox: The Red Sox captain sure hasn’t been leading the way with his bat over the past week, collecting two hits over his last 16 at-bats while only driving in a single run. July is traditionally a better month for Varitek, but facing the Rays and
the Yankees this week on the road, where he sports a .200 batting average, does not bode well for a breakout.

Darrell Rasner, SP, Yankees: Posting your worst outing of the season against the Pirates (five innings, seven earned runs) destroys the confidence of your fantasy owners. Things only get tougher this week for the Yankee hurler, who faces the archrival Red Sox for the first time in his brief major league career. His E.R.A. in June is 7.00, a
number sure to be a little rough on your pitching stats.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Elijah Dukes, OF, Nationals: Finally using his skills for good and not evil, this toolsy outfielder has been great the past week, posting a .345 batting average with two home runs and two steals. He showed great power last season (10 home runs in 184 at-bats), and looks to be heating up for the Nats. While I wouldn’t recommend letting him date your daughter, I would definitely add him in a mixed league while he’s hot.

Dave Bush, SP, Brewers: After looking like a washed up bum in April (6.75 E.R.A.) and May (5.52 ERA), Bush has turned it on in June, going 3-2 with a 3.09 E.R.A. He’s given up only two earned runs in his last 15 innings, winning his previous two starts. He’ll face the Diamondbacks and the Pirates this week as he looks to continue his winning ways.

Bench 'em

Jeff Francoeur, OF, Braves: He stunk in June, hitting .231 with only two home runs, and has been brutal over the last week (4-21, 0 HR, 1 RBI). He was fit for new contact lenses last week, blaming vision for his terrible .210 batting average in 52 night games this season. Even if this corrects the problem, you can expect an adjustment period, one that the Braves’ outfielder should be going through while on your bench.

Braden Looper, SP, Cardinals: The converted reliever has been very good for the Cardinals again this season, but enters the week getting only one start, at home against a Cubs team with the best record in the majors. Looper has posted a 4.50 E.R.A. and 1.50 WHIP at home, not great numbers for a pitcher with nine victories on the season. He posted a 5.40 E.R.A. last July, making him a cautious play for the foreseeable future.

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