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.

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 23-29 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Mark Ellis, 2B, Athletics: Those in search of a mixed-league middle infielder should give him a look, as he’s been red hot over the past week, clubbing two home runs while posting a batting average of .400. Expect a slight increase in batting average as his average on balls in play increases (currently .269, .300 is average). This fly-ball hitter is a good bet to match or exceed his career high in home runs he set last season (19).

Brian Bannister, SP, Royals: A great match-up play, the Royals’ control specialist gets two home starts this week (Rockies and Cardinals). His E.R.A. there is 2.80. He posted a solid performance earlier in the season against the Cards, allowing only two earned runs while going seven strong innings on his way to a victory.

Bench 'em

Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Angels: He’s been an absolute dog over the past week, going 4 for his last 21 with zero home runs or RBI over that span. He’ll be on the road all week, where he's posted a .238 batting average so far this season. Scour your waiver wire for a replacement; his ‘06 numbers are never coming back.

Jered Weaver, SP, Angels: He got absolutely shelled by the Mets early last week (six earned runs in 6 1/3 innings) and has given up at least four runs in three of his past four stars. He’ll get one turn this week against the Dodgers on the road, where he’s been brutal this season (5.98 E.R.A.).

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put'em in

Willy Taveras, OF, Rockies: After word came that he’d be splitting time in center field with Ryan Spilborghs, Fast Willy caught fire by going 7 for his last 23 with 7 steals. He currently leads the National League in stolen bases with 31, and could swipe more than 60 by the time the season is through. Owners in search of steals could still find him on their waiver wires, and will get a great return on that meager investment if he continues hitting at his current pace.

Derek Lowe, SP, Dodgers: On a nice roll as of late, posting a 1.96 E.R.A. over his past six starts. He posted a 2.43 E.R.A. last June, so this is a traditionally good month for the Dodgers’ hurler. Getting two home starts against the White Sox and the Angels this week should help keep that number low, as he’s posted a 3.11 E.R.A. at Dodger Stadium this season.

Bench 'em

Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Reds: Since hitting home run number 600, the future Hall of Famer has slumped mightily. Lots of trade talk has swirled around him over the past week, with Tampa Bay being a possible destination. Perhaps this has caused his focus to wander. A trade could energize his fading career, something all true baseball fans would love to see.

Jason Marquis, SP, Cubs: He’s crept onto some rosters thanks to his recent three-game winning streak and a vote of confidence from manager Lou Pinella. He’ll get a start on the road against the White Sox this week, a squad that hit him hard last season (five earned runs in six innings). His lack of strikeouts (4.48 K/9) should be reason alone not to roster him; but if you’re looking for more, notice his his career 1.43 WHIP.

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 9-15 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Ben Francisco, OF, Indians: This Tribe rookie leads the club in doubles with 13 despite playing in only 28 of the team's 58 games. It is getting to the point where he needs to begin being taken seriously in mixed leagues, especially with his power/speed potential (12 home runs and 22 stolen bases in Triple A last season). After posting three multihit games in a row this past week, it's time to snatch him up and ride the hot streak.

Mike Mussina, SP, Yankees: After looking as if he was washed up in April, “Moose” has rallied over the past month (5-1, 3.72 E.R.A.) and proven to be the Yankees' most reliable starter. He gets starts against the Royals and the Astros this week, two teams against which he has a career E.R.A. below 3.00.

Bench 'em

Garrett Anderson, OF, Angels: Stuck in a serious slump over the past week (four hits in 26 at-bats with zero runs batted in), he’ll face the surprisingly good Rays pitching staff and the always-tough Braves to close the week. He gets a heavy dose of right-handed pitchers this week, who have been tough on him to the tune of a .258 batting average this season.

Andy Pettitte, SP, Yankees: Originally, Jeremy Bonderman was listed here; but he's out for up to a year after surgery Saturday to correct a Thoracic Nerve Syndrome. As for Pettitte, you can't start a pitcher when he's getting one outing the week after a 10-run bludgeoning (versus the Royals). It's against the A's, against whom he had an 8.31 E.R.A. against in 2007.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Randy Winn, OF, Giants: The veteran outfielder has helped lead the club back to respectability, filling five categories the past month (24 runs, 5 HRs, 11 RBI, 4 SBs, .333 BA). Three of those home runs have come in the past week, and with a trip to Colorado ahead, he should stay hot.

Chad Billingsley, SP, Dodgers: Don’t let the 4-6 record this season fool you, this young Dodgers hurler is the real deal. He sits just outside the top five in strikeouts in the NL (71 in 65 2/3 innings), has given up only three homers on the year and sports a tidy 3.29 E.R.A. He’ll get starts this week against the Padres and the Tigers on the road, where he’s posted a 2.97 E.R.A. this season, making him a strong play in all formats.

Bench 'em

Rick Ankiel, OF, Cardinals: The feel-good story from ’07 has fallen on hard times over the past week, mired in a 1-for-15 slide while nursing a swollen knee that has held him out of a handful of games. His mighty bat has also been dormant recently, with May 21 being the last time he drove a ball out of the yard, his only home run in the past 51 at-bats.

Wandy Rodriguez, SP, Astros: The Astros’ hurler is still rounding into form following a month-long trip to the DL. He’ll get one start this week at home against the Yankees, who boast one of the better lineups in all of baseball. June has traditionally not been a good month for him, as evidenced by his 5.70 career E.R.A.

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week June 2-8 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put'em in

Mike Lamb, 3B, Twins: After disappointing over the first eight weeks, the Twins third baseman has finally shown some signs of life, posting a batting average over .400 during the past week with three multi-hit games. He’ll face a struggling Orioles staff this week before hitting the road to face the White Sox, hoping to improve on his .338 road batting average. Give him a look if you’re in need of a corner infielder this upcoming period.

Rich Harden, SP, Athletics: Those who took a flier on this fragile ace in the late rounds of fantasy drafts are getting a great return on their gamble, evident by his 3.42 E.R.A. in May and wins in two of four starts. Gets two starts at home this week against the Tigers and the Angels and sports a 1.50 homer E.R.A.

Bench 'em

Raúl Ibañez, OF, Mariners: His recent numbers scream slump (2 hits in 27 at-bats, 0 runs scored, 6 runs batted in over his past 14 games). It doesn’t appear to end this coming week with matchups against the Angels and the Red Sox, two staffs who are firing on all cylinders. He hit .276 last June, so a rebound could be in the works, but reserve him until he comes around.

Brian Bannister, SP, Royals: Kansas City’s control artist really struggled in May, posting only one quality start, and an E.R.A. of 6.03 on his way to a 1-3 record. Getting only one start this week, on the road against the Yankees, is a less than favorable scenario.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put'em in

Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, Padres: Despite playing for a struggling club, “Kouz” has thrived during the past week, hitting .320 while blasting four home runs. He faces the Cubs and the Mets this week at home, where he has hit seven of his eight home runs this year. Could be a long-term solution at third if he matches last season’s second-half production (.317 average, 11 home runs, 37 RBI).

Bronson Arroyo, SP, Reds: After getting pounded in his first start this month, he responded with four quality turns and three wins to close the month. He gets two road starts this week against the Phillies and the Marlins, looking to continue his quality pitching away from home. He held the Marlins scoreless for seven innings in May, making him a strong play this week.

Bench 'em

James Loney, 1B, Dodgers: Nothing good has come out of the past week for the Dodgers first baseman, as he’s been frustrated by getting only 2 hits in 22 at-bats, and not drawing a single walk during that stretch. Already a questionable play due to his lack of power for a first baseman, he’s now delivering very little average and isn't scoring because he can't find his way on base. The talent is there, but wait until he shows it before moving him back into your starting lineup.

Ian Snell, SP, Pirates: After breaking out in ’07, the Pirates’ hurler has really struggled this season, giving up 4 or more earned runs in 6 of his 11 starts. More alarming is the rise in BB/9 rate (2.9 in ’07, 4.4 in ’08) and drop in K/9 rate (7.7 in ’07, 6.3 in ’08) he’s experienced this season. His pitching coach says the frustration is due to trying to make the perfect pitch, which should be the red flag you need to reserve him until he can return to his ’07 form.

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.

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week May 19-25 unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Dioner Navarro, C, Rays: Last year, he hit .285 with eight home runs and 31 runs batted in after the All-Star break. That hot hitting continues this year. He recently collected three multi-hit games against the Yankees, and heads into the weekend sporting a batting average of .387. He faces Oakland and Baltimore this week, and is shaping up to be a nice bargain for anyone who chose not to use an early draft pick on a catcher.

Daniel Cabrera, SP, Orioles: A perennial fantasy tease, Cabrera has started off the season very strong -- six of his eight starts have been quality ones. He’s walked a total of three batters his last three outings, going at least seven innings in each (two wins). He’ll get two starts this week, against the Yankees and the Rays, teams struggling to score. When he’s going good, he can be dominant, making him a nice add for those in need of pitching.

Bench 'em

Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox: Ice cold thus far, as in barely above .200. His batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is currently .232, well below average (.300), showing that some of his struggles are due to bad luck. Konerko this week faces the Indians and the Angels, against whom he is 2 for 21 against this season. Stash him away until his fortunes begin to improve.

Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers: A huge disappointment this season, Verlander has seen his K/9 rate drop (5.4 in ’08, 8.4 in '07) and his BB/9 rate rise (3.9 in ’08, 3.0 in ’07). In April, his velocity was down almost 3 mph from last season, when he averaged 94.8 mph on fastballs. Whether it's something mechanical or a hidden injury, Verlander is a huge risk. Yes, he gets two starts against the Mariners and the Twins, but that's not a good thing given how he's pitching.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Jeremy Hermida, OF, Marlins: Hermida has been on a roll lately, stringing together a seven-game hitting streak, which helped push his batting average back to around the .300 mark. His talent has never been questioned, but injuries have held him back during his first few seasons. He’ll face the Diamondbacks and the Giants this week at home, teams he hit 16 for 36 against last season.

Ted Lilly, SP, Cubs: Back-to-back double-digit strikeout performances have Lilly back on track following a sluggish start to the season. He gets two starts this week, against the Astros and the Pirates, teams he dominated last season (29/5 K/BB in 31 2/3 innings).

Bench 'em

Eric Byrnes, OF, Diamondbacks: Back in early May, Byrnes was informed by the league that he’d no longer be able to use his favorite red bats, since they were not an approved league color. Subsequently, he’s posted a batting average of just over .100 in May -- and continues to struggle at the plate while finding a new preferred piece of lumber. Keep him on your bench until he’s able to come to grips with his new wood.

Kyle Lohse, SP, Cardinals: After a terrific April, Lohse has gone into a tailspin in May, posting an E.R.A. of 10 in 17 innings. He’s also complained recently of tightness in his pitching shoulder, making him a risky play going forward until that issue gets resolved. He’ll face only the Dodgers this week, a team that pounded him last season (six earned runs in four innings).

By Rob Steingall

These recommendations are only for the fantasy week May 12-18, unless otherwise suggested.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Red Sox: Not usually known for his power, Youkilis has blasted four homers this week, to go along with his consistently stellar on-base percentage. He should be able to feast on the Twins, Orioles and Brewers pitching staffs this week. Youkilis hit six home runs last May with an average of .406, a sign of future success going forward.

Vicente Padilla, SP, Rangers: Padilla is coming off another brilliant outing against the Mariners, where he pitched seven scoreless innings while striking out eight. He's pitched 13 innings against the Mariners this season, yielding only one earned run while posting a 12/5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He'll face the Mariners again on Monday, and finish the week with the Astros at home, where he's pitched very well this year (2.40 E.R.A.).

Bench 'em

Nick Swisher, 1B/OF, White Sox: A major breakout candidate entering the season, Swisher has done nothing but disappoint his owners to this point, batting just above .200 going into the weekend with only three home runs. He was recently bumped from the leadoff spot to the sixth spot in the White Sox batting order, with the hope of taking some of the pressure off him. Swisher hit .333 last May, but needs to be benched until he shows that kind of production again.

Jeremy Bonderman, SP, Tigers: Bonderman gets only one start this week, against the Diamondbacks, who currently boast the best record in the National League. He got beat up by the National League last year, giving up 13 earned runs in 17 innings pitched, including four home runs.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Put 'em in

Ryan Church, OF, Mets: Church has started the year on fire, batting well over .300 with some power (six home runs entering the weekend), shifting between the two and five spots in the batting order. He faces the Nationals to start the week, against whom he has a .364 batting average thus far. Later in the week, Church will face the Yankees, who have problems in their rotation.

Randy Wolf, SP, Padres: Wolf gets two starts this week, against the Cubs and the Mariners, both on the road. Wolf went six strong innings last season against the Cubs without yielding a run, striking out five batters in the process. He also gets a Seattle club struggling hit the ball (.247 team batting average).

Bench 'em

Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Reds: Griffey has hit a rough patch recently, failing to drive in a run for two weeks with only two runs over that stretch. Although Reds GM Walt Jocketty has stated he hasn't had talks with other teams, trade rumors have begun to swirl around the future Hall of Famer, which could be adding to his struggles at the plate. He faces the Marlins this week, a team he hit only .217 against in '07, and closes with the Indians over the weekend.

Oliver Perez, SP, Mets: After a bounce-back year in '07, Perez looks to have lost whatever confidence led him to a career-high 15 wins. Control has been a huge issue for the Mets' left hander, who has posted a WHIP of 1.63 in 35 innings of work. He's failed to make it through more than six innings in any of his seven starts and faces the Yankees this week, whom he pitched well against last year. But he figures to be a huge risk based on his body of work thus far in '08.