Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week July 28 - Aug. 3, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Melvin Mora, 3B, Orioles: He is finally swinging a hot bat after a season-long slump, batting .294 with 5 jacks and 25 runs batted in over the past month. Look for things to continue this week against the Yankees and the Mariners, against whom he already has a combined four homers in 15 games this season.

Armando Galarraga, SP, Tigers: This talented rookie faces the Indians and the Rays this week, both on the road, where he has posted an ERA of 2.69 in '08. He owns a very solid 3.75 ERA over the past month, but has only one win to show for it. With the Tigers surging, there is a great chance for some wins along with the generally solid ERA and WHIP.

Bench 'em

Chone Figgins, 2B, 3B, OF, Angels: Injuries have really derailed him his year, and his .188 average and three steals over the past month don't look like signs of a rebound. He'll face the Red Sox and the Yankees on the road this week, where he is hitting .250 so far this season. His value is in his speed and ability to create runs, and with that missing, he holds little more than name value.

Justin Duchscherer, SP, Athletics: He's been far too lucky this season, with a .210 average on balls in play (.300 is average), and is due for a serious regression in the second half. His major league-leading 1.87 ERA has been great, but he's already exceeded the most innings he's ever pitched in the majors (115 2/3 this season, previous high was 96 1/3) which should be cause for concern. He faces the Red Sox this week, with David Ortiz returning to an already imposing lineup. Sell him high.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Ian Stewart, 3B, Rockies: Since returning to the majors on July 19, he's done nothing but hit, batting .550 with a homer and 11 RBI. He'll face the Pirates' weak staff, which he beat up on earlier in the year. This could be the last week he gets regular playing time, with Todd Helton returning from the DL shortly, so ride the hot streak while you can.

Doug Davis, SP, Diamondbacks: One of the season's more remarkable stories, this D-Backs hurler has come back strong from his bout with thyroid cancer, sporting a useful 7.42 K/9 ratio so far this season. He is a great match-up play this week, with a road start at pitcher friendly Petco Park to face the Padres, and then off to Dodger Stadium where he sports a career 1.40 ERA.

Bench 'em

Miguel Tejada, SS, Astros: His .213 batting average with zero home runs and two runs batted in over the past month is pitiful, numbers usually common for declining players around his "actual" age of 34. His average has gone down every month since March, and sits at .197 so far in July. He faces the Mets this week, who have been pitching lights out.

Randy Wolf, SP, Astros: The newly acquired Astros hurler has one start this week, against the scorching-hot Mets. That has "disaster" written all over it. He's the proud owner of a 6.63 ERA away from his former home of Petco Park, making his move to the launching pad that is Minute Maid Park a dubious sign of things to come. This is one name I would look to avoid for the rest of the season.

 Tags  Armando Gallaraga baseball Chone Figgins Doug Davis Ian Stewart Justin Duchscherer Melvin Mora Miguel Tejada Randy Wolf Rob Steingall Weekly planner

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