Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week July 21 to 27, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Alexei Ramirez, 2B/OF, White Sox: Finally getting regular playing time, he's shined since taking over at second, posting a .341 batting average with three home runs and 11 runs batted in over the past month. He's also stolen seven bases this season, making him a nice speed threat for a middle infielder. Facing the Rangers and the Tigers this week, he is a good bet to continue swinging a hot bat.

Edwin Jackson, SP, Rays: He's been brilliant during the past month, posting an E.R.A. of 2.30, going six innings or more in five of his last six turns. He'll face the A's and the Royals this week, two teams that are among the least imposing offensive forces in the majors.

Bench 'em

Jorge Posada, C, Yankees: He just hasn't been the same since returning from shoulder problems, which is obvious considering his .221 batting average and zero home runs over the past month. He's also not happy with playing first base on occasion, feeling he is healthy enough to resume his full-time duties behind the plate. He'll face the Red Sox, who he is batting only .233 against this season, later this week.

Daniel Cabrera, SP, Orioles: The control issues are back, and the strikeout rate remains low. He's posted a 3.94 E.R.A. and 1.59 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over the past month, just enough to damage your ratios while not really helping you in Ks. He'll get his lone start this week against the Angels, who have already beaten him once this season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers: Finally showing a bit of power, he has emerged as a steady outfield option in July, producing a .346 average along with four home runs. He'll be taking a trip to Coors Field this week, and already has two home runs against Rockies pitchers in '08, making him a strong play in mixed formats.

Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins: After watching his return from Tommy John surgery, I'm a believer in him having a strong second half for the Marlins. He pounded the zone with mid-90s fastballs, a few ticks higher than pre-surgery. He brings his power arsenal into matchups with the Braves and the Cubs this week. His strikeout potential and availability on the waiver wire make him an attractive option going forward.

Bench 'em

Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks: He's been a huge disappointment to owners this year hoping for a step forward, and his .226 average during the past month proves things haven't improved. To go along with the low average, he's only hit one home run and stolen one base since June 1. If he corrects his poor contact rate (74 percent) he could be special, but those in single-season leagues should find another option that can help now.

Aaron Cook, SP, Rockies: The All-Star sinkerballer has posted a 4.41 E.R.A. over the past month and only has one win to show for it. He'll be taking only one turn this week, on the road against the Reds. Proceed with caution here; in his only matchup against the Reds last season, he got hit around hard over 5 1/3 innings, giving up five earned runs and 10 hits. He's a solid innings eater, but not this week.

 Tags  Aaron Cook Alexei Ramirez Andre Ethier baseball Chris Young Daniel Cabrera Edwin Jackson Jorge Posada Josh Johnson Rob Steingall Weekly planner

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