UP

Gary Sheffield, DH, Tigers: After a slow start with Detroit, the 18-year veteran is heating up. Sheffield is 12-for-29 (.414) with four homers, eight RBIs, eight runs and two stolen bases in his last seven games. On the season, he's batting .262 with 12 homers, 29 RBIs, 44 runs and seven stolen bases.

Carlos Delgado, 1B, Mets: He's not having a great year, but Delgado's been tremendous over the past week. In his last six games, Delgado is 11-for-25 (.440) with four homers and nine RBIs. Overall, he's hitting .239 with seven homers and 32 RBIs.

Boof Bonser, starting pitcher, Twins: Minnesota's right hander has won four straight starts after going winless in his first seven outings. Bonser has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. On the season, he's 4-1 with a 3.61 ERA.

DOWN

Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros: Houston's first baseman is hitting just .250 with five homers and 24 RBIs, a far cry from '06 when Berkman hit .315 with 45 homers and 136 RBIs. In his last eight games, Berkman is 3-for-28 (.107). He has one RBI in his last eight games and hasn't homered in his last 17.

Garrett Atkins, 3B, Rockies: Colorado's third baseman is hitting just .222 with three homers and 20 RBIs. Atkins is 5-for-33 (.152) over his last eight games. Last season, he hit .329 with 29 homers, 120 RBIs and 117 runs.

Bronson Arroyo, starting pitcher, Reds: Cincinnati's starter has been shelled in back-to-back outings. In his last two starts, Arroyo has allowed 12 earned runs in six total innings. On the season, he's 2-5 with a 4.01 ERA. Last year, Arroyo went 14-11 with a 3.29 ERA.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Here's a look at probable pitching matchups and fantasy nuggets for the Orioles' week ahead:

For the two remaining games against the Royals:

Tuesday, 8:10 -- Jorge De La Rosa (4-4, 4.65 ERA) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (2-1, 3.09 ERA)

Wednesday, 8:10 -- Gil Meche (3-3, 3.18 ERA) vs. Erik Bedard (3-3, 4.10 ERA)

For the four-game series against the Angels:

Thursday, 10:05 -- Kelvim Escobar (6-2, 2.64 ERA) vs. Brian Burres (2-2, 3.27 ERA)

Friday, 10:05 -- John Lackey (8-3, 2.36 ERA) vs. Daniel Cabrera (4-5, 4.78 ERA)

Saturday, 9:05 -- Bartolo Colon (5-2, 5.26 ERA) vs. TBA

Sunday, 3:35 -- TBA

For the O's:

Who's hot?

Miguel Tejada - In the last week, the O's shortstop has found the power that he's lacked for much of the season. Tejada has hit .474 with three homers and nine RBIs in his last five games. On the season, he's hitting .322 with five homers and 27 RBIs.

Steve Trachsel - The veteran right-hander went the distance in the Orioles' 9-1 win against the Royals yesterday. Trachsel has allowed three earned runs or fewer in eight straight starts and 10 of 11 outings this season. Yesterday's game was the third time he's completed at least seven innings. On the season, Trachsel is 4-3 with a 3.39 ERA.

Who's not?

Melvin Mora - The O's third baseman has been moved around in the lineup and is 3-for-24 (.125) in his last six games. Yesterday, Mora grounded into his 13th double play of the season, which leads the American League. On the season, he's batting .237 with six homers and 25 RBIs.

Danys Baez - The Orioles reliever has become a regular fixture in this slot this season. Baez walked two, gave up a hit and a run in one inning in his last outing against Oakland Saturday. He has now allowed runs in four straight appearances and six of his last seven. Baez's ERA is up to 6.35.

For the Royals:

Who's hot?

Mark Grudzielanek - Kansas City's second baseman is 10-for-20 (.500) in his last five games. On the season, Grudzielanek is batting .277 but offers little else on the fantasy front. He's homered twice, driven in 18 runs and has no stolen bases.

Brian Bannister - He hasn't been great, but it's impossible to find a Kansas City pitcher who has been so Bannister gets the nod. On the bright side, he's allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of six starts. On the other hand, he's completed the seventh inning just once in those outings.

Who's not?

Mark Teahen - He's been pretty good on the season, but Teahen is currently mired in a 3-for-22 (.136) slump. Overall, Teahen is batting .286 with four homers, 25 RBIs, 24 runs and six stolen bases.

Gil Meche - After signing a monster free agent contract this offseason, Meche has been solid overall but has been roughed up in his last two starts. Meche has allowed 12 earned runs and 19 hits in his last 9 1/3 innings. On the season, he's 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA.

For the Angels:

Who's hot?

Mike Napoli - The Angels catcher has hit safely in 14 straight games and his streak of 10 straight games with a run was just broken yesterday. He's 9-for-22 (.409) with three homers, 10 RBIs and eight runs in his last seven games. On the season, he's batting .259 with five homers, 15 RBIs and three stolen bases.

Kelvim Escobar - The Angels starter has allowed one run or fewer in four of his last five starts and has been spectacular on the season with a 6-2 record to go along with a 2.64 ERA. The 31 year old went 11-14 with a 3.61 ERA last season.

Who's not?

Howie Kendrick - The highly-touted rookie is 3-for-17 (.176) in his last five games. Overall, Kendrick is batting .286, but he's only played in 20 games after an injured finger forced him out of the lineup for over a month.

Ervin Santana - The 24-year-old right hander has struggled all season. Santana was pounded for eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start against the Tigers. On the season, he's 3-6 with a 6.00 ERA.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Here are the top-scoring players overall at each position. This is based on standard scoring in a 5x5 league.

Mixed leagues:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .314, 32 RBIs, 30 runs, eight SBs

First base: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .287, 14 HRs, 36 RBIs, 30 runs

Second base: Chase Utley, Phillies // .300, nine HRs, 36 RBIs, 34 runs, three SBs

Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .306, 18 HRs, 43 RBIs, 40 runs, four SBs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .316, 23 RBIs, 38 runs, 26 SBs

Outfielder: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers // .345, 12 HRs, 42 RBIs, 39 runs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .315, 11 HRs, 40 RBIs, 29 runs, eight SBs

Outfielder: Grady Sizemore, Indians // .273, eight HRs, 22 RBIs, 37 runs, 15 SBs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 6-1, 1.63 ERA, 77 K

Starting pitcher: Johan Santana, Twins // 5-4, 3.05 ERA, 80 K

Starting pitcher: John Lackey, Angels // 7-3, 2.38 ERA

Relief pitcher: Franciso Cordero, Brewers // 17 saves, 0.47 ERA, 28 K, 0.63 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 12 saves, 1.31 ERA, 24 K, 0.53 WHIP

NL-only:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .314, 32 RBIs, 30 runs, eight SBs

First base: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .287, 14 HRs, 36 RBIs, 30 runs

Second base: Chase Utley, Phillies // .300, nine HRs, 36 RBIs, 34 runs, three SBs

Third base: Chipper Jones, Braves // .300, 12 HRs, 27 RBIs, 33 runs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .316, 23 RBIs, 38 runs, 26 SBs

Outfielder: Carlos Lee, Astros // .307, nine HRs, 41 RBIs

Outfielder: Matt Holliday, Rockies // .337, eight HRs, 33 RBIs, 25 runs

Outfielder: Carlos Beltran, Mets // .295, eight HRs, 30 RBIs, 28 runs, seven SBs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 6-1, 1.63 ERA, 77 K

Starting pitcher: Cole Hamels, Phillies // 6-2, 3.67 ERA, 78 K

Starting pitcher: Oliver Perez, Mets // 6-3, 2.54 ERA

Relief pitcher: Franciso Cordero, Brewers // 17 saves, 0.47 ERA, 28 K, 0.63 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Takashi Saito, Dodgers // 14 saves, 1.71 ERA, 25 K, 0.81 WHIP

AL-only:

Catcher: Jorge Posada, Yankees // .367, six HRs, 27 RBIs, 28 runs

First base: Justin Morneau, Twins // .282, 14 HRS, 33 RBIs, 33 runs

Second base: B.J. Upton, Devil Rays // .308, eight HRs, 26 RBIs, 25 runs, nine SBs

Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .306, 18 HRs, 43 RBIs, 40 runs, four SBs

Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees // .367, 28 RBIs, 29 runs, four SBs

Outfielder: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers // .345, 12 HRs, 42 RBIs, 39 runs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .315, 11 HRs, 40 RBIs, 29 runs, eight SBs

Outfielder: Grady Sizemore, Indians // .273, eight HRs, 22 RBIs, 37 runs, 15 SBs

Starting pitcher: Johan Santana, Twins // 5-4, 3.05 ERA, 80 K

Starting pitcher: John Lackey, Angels // 7-3, 2.38 ERA

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 7-0, 2.66 ERA

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 12 saves, 1.31 ERA, 24 K, 0.53 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Chris Ray, Orioles // 11 saves, 4.15 ERA

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

UP

Jermaine Dye, OF, White Sox: He's hit safely in nine straight games and is batting .364 with four homers, eight RBIs and seven runs in his last six games. Dye is batting just .229 on the season but has produced 10 homers and 25 RBIs.

Mark Teixeira, 1B, Rangers: It took him awhile to get going, but Teixeira is now putting up the numbers that make him one of fantasy's best first basemen. In his last seven games, Teixeira is batting .407 with three homers, nine RBIs and six runs. Overall, he's at .299 with eight homers and 27 RBIs.

Randy Wolf, SP, Dodgers: The Los Angeles lefty is 3-0 in his last three starts and 6-3 overall with a 3.75 ERA. Wolf has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four straight starts. And perhaps most surprising is that Wolf has 66 strikeouts.

DOWN

Miguel Tejada, SS, Orioles: The O's shortstop is batting .160 in his last seven games. While Tejada is batting .305 on the season, he hasn't produced the power numbers fantasy owners would like. He has no extra-base hits in his last 10 games and has just two homers all season. Tejada says he's never been a power hitter, but he did hit 30 or more bombs in four of five seasons from 2000-2004.

Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies: The Phillies' shortstop is 2-for-19 (.105) in his last five games and the power he showed early in the season has disappeared. Rollins homered nine times in April but has yet to go yard in May. Overall, he's batting .268 with nine homers, 27 RBIs, 35 runs and nine stolen bases.

Barry Zito, SP, Giants: San Francisco's lefty has not panned out through his first nine starts with the Giants. Zito has allowed 13 earned runs in 10 innings in his last two starts. Overall, he's 3-5 with a 5.13 ERA. Perhaps more alarming to fantasy owners should be his 30 strikeouts and 28 walks.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

After 44 games, the Orioles sit at 20-24, 10.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

Here's a look at pitching probables and fantasy nuggets for the week ahead.

For the three-game series vs. the Blue Jays:

Tuesday, 7:05 -- Daniel Cabrera (3-4, 4.27 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett (4-3, 3.99 ERA)

Wednesday, 7:05 -- Steve Trachsel (2-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Dustin McGowan (0-1, 8.22 ERA)

Thursday, 7:05 -- Jeremy Guthrie (2-1, 2.95 ERA) vs. Shaun Marcum (2-2, 4.13 ERA)

For the three-game series vs. the Athletics:

Friday, 7:05 -- Erik Bedard (3-2, 4.28 ERA) vs. Dan Haren (4-2, 1.74 ERA)

Saturday, 7:35 -- TBA vs. Joe Kennedy (1-3, 2.70 ERA)

Sunday, 1:35 -- TBA

For the O's:

Who's hot?

Brian Roberts - The O's second baseman went 7-for-14 (.500) in three games against the Nationals. Roberts hit .417 last week and is up to .297 on the season. He's also stolen 14 bases and scored 28 runs.

Erik Bedard - Even though the Orioles' ace is winless in his last six starts, he's still producing on the fantasy front. Bedard leads the majors with 75 strikeouts. Yesterday against the Nationals, he went seven strong, allowing three hits and striking out a career-high 12.

Who's not?

Corey Patterson - The O's center fielder is currently riding an 0-for-17 slump. On the season, Patterson is batting .219 with an on-base percentage of .285. He's homered once and stolen six bases. Those numbers are a far cry from '06 when Patterson hit .276 with 16 homers and 45 stolen bases.

Danys Baez - O's fans probably haven't noticed he's struggling (that's a joke). Baez has given up eight earned runs in his last 3 1/3 innings. Against the Nationals yesterday, he was charged with two earned runs in a third of an inning. On the season, Baez's ERA is up to 6.10.

For the Blue Jays:

Who's hot?

Troy Glaus - Toronto's third baseman has hit safely in six straight games and is batting .307 on the season. Glaus went 4-for-11 (.364) with five RBIs in three games against the Orioles last week. He has eight homers, 21 RBIs and 20 runs on the season.

Shaun Marcum - Toronto's 25-year-old hurler didn't allow a hit in his first 10 innings as a starter this season. He's 1-0 with a 1.67 ERA in two starts. Marcum allowed two runs in six innings while striking out six in his last outing against the Phillies.

Who's not?

Frank Thomas - Toronto's designated hitter has yet to get things going with just two hits in his last 14 at-bats. Thomas is batting .234 with five homers and 18 RBIs on the season.

Dustin McGowan - He's struggled in three starts since being called up from Triple-A. McGowan is 0-1 with an 8.22 ERA. In his last start, McGowan was pounded for five runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Phillies.

For the A's:

Who's hot?

Jack Cust - The former Oriole has been phenomenal since filling in for an injured Mike Piazza as Oakland's designated hitter. Cust has homered eight times in 14 games. On the season, he's batting .283, but he has struck out 21 times in 46 at-bats.

Dan Haren - Oakland's 26-year-old hurler is 4-2 with an AL-best 1.74 ERA. Haren has allowed three runs or fewer in every start this season and has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of 10 outings. He hasn't dropped a game since losing his first two decisions of the year.

Who's not?

Eric Chavez - Oakland's third baseman has just three hits in his last 21 at-bats (.143). Chavez is batting .241 with five homers and 21 RBIs on the season. His average is exactly what it was in a disappointing 2006.

The fifth starter - Four of Oakland's five starters have been outstanding. Check out these ERAs...

Haren: 1.74

Joe Kennedy: 2.70

Chad Gaudin: 2.94

Joe Blanton: 3.32

But with Rich Harden on the disabled list, the A's have not been able to fill out their rotation with a fifth starter. Dallas Braden was optioned to Triple-A after going 1-3 with a 6.41 ERA in four starts.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Here are the top-scoring players overall at each position. This is for standard scoring in a 5x5 league.

Mixed leagues:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .319, 25 RBIs, 27 runs, seven SBs

First baseman: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .291, 12 HRs, 33 RBIs, 27 runs

Second baseman: Chase Utley, Phillies // .304, seven HRs, 33 RBIs, 31 runs, three SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .318, 15 HRs, 39 RBIs, 35 runs, three SBs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .337, 23 RBIs, 35 runs, 23 SBs

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .351, 10 HRs, 36 RBIs, 23 runs

Outfielder: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers // .331, eight HRs, 37 RBIs, 30 runs

Outfielder: Carlos Lee, Astros // .325, nine HRs, 38 RBIs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 5-1, 1.64 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 71 K

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 7-0, 2.66 ERA

Starting pitcher: Cole Hamels, Phillies // 6-1, 3.30 ERA, 70 K

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 16 saves, 0.50 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, 25 K

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 12 saves, 1.37 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 23 K

NL-only:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .319, 25 RBIs, 27 runs, seven SBs

First baseman: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .291, 12 HRs, 33 RBIs, 27 runs

Second baseman: Chase Utley, Phillies // .304, seven HRs, 33 RBIs, 31 runs, 3 SBs

Third baseman: Chipper Jones, Braves // .300, 11 HRs, 25 RBIs, 30 runs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .337, 23 RBIs, 35 runs, 23 SBs

Outfielder: Carlos Lee, Astros // .325, nine HRs, 38 RBIs

Outfielder: Matt Holliday, Rockies // .354, eight HRs, 31 RBIs, 24 runs

Outfielder: Adam Dunn, Reds // .271, 11 HRs, 25 RBIs, 30 runs, seven SBs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 5-1, 1.64 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 71 K

Starting pitcher: Cole Hamels, Phillies // 6-1, 3.30 ERA, 70 K

Starting pitcher: Tim Hudson, Braves // 5-1, 1.77 ERA, 0.92 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 16 saves, 0.50 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, 25 K

Relief pitcher: Takashi Saito, Dodgers // 13 saves, 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 23 K

AL-only:

Catcher: Jorge Posada, Yankees // .371, four HRs, 22 RBIs, 25 runs

First baseman: Justin Morneau, Twins // .275, 11 HRs, 25 RBIs, 27 runs

Second baseman: B.J. Upton, Devil Rays // .321, seven HRs, 25 RBIs, 23 runs, seven SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .318, 15 HRs, 39 RBIs, 35 runs, three SBs

Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees // .368, 21 RBIs, 25 runs, three SBs.

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .351, 10 HRs, 36 RBIs, 23 runs

Outfielder: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers // .331, eight HRs, 37 RBIs, 30 runs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .313, eight HRs, 29 RBIs, 24 runs, seven SBs

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 7-0, 2.66 ERA

Starting pitcher: John Lackey, Angels // 6-3, 2.43 ERA, 54 K

Starting pitcher: C.C. Sabathia, Indians // 6-1, 3.65 ERA, 63 K

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 12 saves, 1.37 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 23 K

Relief pitcher: Huston Street, Athletics // Nine saves, 2.50 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 20 K

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

UP

Jack Cust, DH, Athletics: The former Oriole is batting .318 with five homers and 12 RBIs in his last six games. Cust is in the lineup because Mike Piazza is injured. Despite his recent hot streak, Cust doesn't hold much season-long fantasy value.

Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Angels: Another former Oriole, Matthews is hitting .400 with four homers and 11 RBIs in his last seven games. Matthews is doing a good job following up his career year in '06. So far this season, he's hitting .305 with six homers, 21 RBIs, 28 runs and seven stolen bases.

Brad Penny, SP, Dodgers: Los Angeles' starter has allowed one earned run total in his last three starts. On the season, Penny is 5-0 with a 1.39 ERA. He set a career-high last season with 16 wins, but his ERA was 4.33.

DOWN

Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Marlins: Florida's third baseman is 2-for-21 (.095) with no homers or RBIs in his last six games. Cabrera has still been his usual productive self this season, hitting .311 with eight homers and 24 RBIs.

Bobby Abreu, OF, Yankees: New York's right fielder is 2-for-20 (.100) in his last five games. Abreu has struggled this season, hitting .236 with one homer and 19 RBIs. He's finished with an on-base percentage above .400 in eight of his last nine seasons, but his OBP is at just .312 this season.

Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals: The results have been mixed so far for Wainwright, who is starting for the first time in his career. In his last start against the Dodgers, Wainwright was pounded for seven hits and eight runs in 2 2/3 innings. On the season, he's 3-3 with a 6.34 ERA.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

For O's fans, the only thing to do after yesterday's collapse against the Red Sox is to look ahead. Here are probable pitching matchups and fantasy nuggets for the upcoming week.

For the three-game series at the Blue Jays:

Monday, 7:07 -- Tomo Ohka (2-4, 5.53 ERA) vs. Erik Bedard (3-2, 4.79 ERA)

Tuesday, 7:07 -- TBA vs. Daniel Cabrera (3-3, 4.59 ERA)

Wednesday, 7:07 -- A.J. Burnett (3-3, 4.56 ERA) vs. Brian Burres (1-1, 3.68 ERA)

For the three-game series at the Nationals:

Friday, 7:05 -- TBA vs. Steve Trachsel (1-3, 3.94 ERA)

Saturday, 7:05 -- TBA

Sunday, 1:35 -- TBA

For the O's:

Who's hot?

Aubrey Huff - After a slow start, Huff has hit safely in 10 straight and 13 of his last 14. In his last seven games, the O's first baseman is batting .357 with five RBIs. On the season, Huff is batting .267 with four homers and 18 RBIs.

Jeremy Guthrie - We don't have to talk about yesterday's game ever again...after this (and Chris Ray later). Guthrie was spectacular for the O's, allowing just one unearned run and three hits through 8 1/3 innings. In his previous start, Guthrie got the win against the Devil Rays, going six innings and allowing one run.

Who's not?

Ramon Hernandez - The O's catcher went 2-for-12 (.167) in three games against the Red Sox. In the last week, he hit .217. Hernandez has still been solid since returning from injury. He's hit .286 with 16 RBIs through 15 games.

Chris Ray - Baltimore's closer allowed three runs -- two earned -- in his third blown save of the season against the Red Sox. All of Ray's missed save chances this season have come against Boston and the Yankees. On the season, he has eight saves and a 4.34 ERA.

For the Blue Jays:

Who's hot?

Alex Rios - Toronto's outfielder is batting .350 in his last seven games. On the season, Rios is hitting .277 with seven homers and 21 RBIs. Last season, he hit .302 with 17 homers and 82 RBIs in 128 games.

A.J. Burnett - In his last start, the Blue Jays starter allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings while striking out 10 for the win against the Devil Rays. Burnett has struck out at least seven batters in three straight starts. On the season, he's 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA and 45 strikeouts.

Who's not?

Frank Thomas - He's 2-for-18 (.111) in his last six games and batting just .239 on the season. Thomas has hit five homers and driven in 17 runs.

Roy Halladay - Toronto's ace was shelled in his last two starts. In his last outing against the Red Sox, Halladay allowed seven earned runs in five innings. Before that, he gave up nine runs in five innings against the Rangers. To make matters worse for Blue Jays' fans, Halladay underwent an appendectomy and will miss four to six weeks.

For the Nationals:

Who's hot?

Brian Schneider - The Nats' catcher is 8-for-15 (.533) in his last four games. Schneider -- who's never been a good fantasy option -- is batting .250 on the season.

Shawn Hill - Washington's starter has allowed three runs or fewer in all eight of his starts. Hill has allowed two runs or fewer in all but one outing. On the season, he's 3-3 with a 2.70 ERA. Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Hill is likely to go on the disabled list with elbow problems.

Who's not?

Felipe Lopez - He's played both shortstop and second base, but Lopez is struggling at the plate. He's 3-for-17 (.176) in his last four games and batting .245 on the season. Lopez has five stolen bases; he stole 44 last season.

Chad Cordero - Washington's closer has converted just four of eight save opportunities this season. On the season, he has a 4.70 ERA.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 1:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Here are the top-scoring players overall at each position. This is standard scoring in a 5x5 league.

Mixed leagues:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .319, 21 RBIs, 25 runs, five SBs

First baseman: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .295, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs, 23 runs

Second baseman: B.J. Upton, Devil Rays // .358, seven HRs, 23 RBIs, 20 runs, five SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .344, 15 HRs, 39 RBIs, 35 runs, two SBs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .352, 22 RBIs, 31 runs, 19 SBs

Outfielder: Adam Dunn, Reds // .286, 11 HRs, 24 RBIs, 30 runs, six SBs

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .354, nine HRs, 32 RBIs, 18 runs

Outfielder: Matt Holliday, Rockies // .371, six HRs, 27 RBIs, 21 runs, 2 SBs

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 7-0, 2.51 ERA, 40 K

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 4-1, 1.75 ERA, 56 K, 0.97 WHIP

Starting pitcher: Tim Hudson, Braves // 4-1, 39 K, 1.83 ERA, 0.97 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 15 saves, 23 K, 0.54 ERA, 0.66 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 10 saves, 20 K, 1.20 ERA, 0.60 WHIP

NL-only:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .319, 21 RBIs, 25 runs, five SBs

First baseman: Prince Fielder, Brewers // .295, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs, 23 runs

Second baseman: Chase Utley, Phillies // .289, six HRs, 28 RBIs, 24 runs, three SBs

Third baseman: Chipper Jones, Braves // .291, 10 HRs, 23 RBIs, 27 runs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .352, 22 RBIs, 31 runs, 19 SBs

Outfielder: Adam Dunn, Reds // .286, 11 HRs, 24 RBIs, 30 runs, six SBs

Outfielder: Matt Holliday, Rockies // .371, six HRs, 27 RBIs, 21 runs, 2 SBs

Outfielder: Carlos Beltran, Mets // .316, seven HRs, 27 RBIs, 22 runs, 5 SBs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 4-1, 1.75 ERA, 56 K, 0.97 WHIP

Starting pitcher: Tim Hudson, Braves // 4-1, 39 K, 1.83 ERA, 0.97 WHIP

Starting pitcher: John Maine, Mets // 5-0, 41 K, 1.79 ERA

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 15 saves, 23 K, 0.54 ERA, 0.66 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Takashi Saito, Dodgers // 10 saves, 19 K, 1.69 ERA, 0.75 WHIP

AL-only:

Catcher: Victor Martinez, Indians // .337, four HRs, 27 RBIs, 15 runs

First baseman: Justin Morneau, Twins // eight HRs, 21 RBIs, 21 runs

Second baseman: B.J. Upton, Devil Rays // .358, seven HRs, 23 RBIs, 20 runs, five SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .344, 15 HRs, 39 RBIs, 35 runs, two SBs

Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees // .368, 18 RBIs, 23 runs, three SBs

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .354, nine HRs, 32 RBIs, 18 runs

Outfielder: Magglio Ordonez, Tigers // .342, six HRs, 30 RBIs, 27 runs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .328, six HRs, 22 RBIs, 21 runs, seven SBs

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 7-0, 2.51 ERA, 40 K

Starting pitcher: James Shields, Devil Rays // 3-0, 49 K, 3.10 ERA, 0.97 WHIP

Starting pitcher: C.C. Sabathia, Indians // 5-0, 53 K, 3.45 ERA

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 10 saves, 20 K, 1.20 ERA, 0.60 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Huston Street, Athletics // Nine saves, 18 K, 2.65 ERA, 0.94 WHIP 

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

UP

J.J. Hardy, SS, Brewers: Milwaukee's shortstop is 11-for-21 (.524) with three homers, eight RBIs and six runs scored in his last five games. On the season, Hardy's batting .341 with nine homers, 27 RBIs and 23 runs. He's hit safely in 19 straight games.

Craig Monroe, OF, Tigers: He's 10-for-24 (.417) with three homers, nine RBIs and nine runs in his last five games. Monroe has never hit for a great average and is at just .243 this season. He's looking to build on his career year in '06 when Monroe hit 28 homers and drove in 92 runs.

Jake Peavy, SP, Padres: San Diego's ace is coming through on the bounce-back year many fantasy experts predicted. Peavy has allowed one earned run or less in five of seven starts. Peavy's struck out 10 or more in three straight outings. In his last start against the Marlins, Peavy allowed one hit and one run in seven innings while striking out 10 and picking up the win. Overall he's 4-1 with a 1.75 ERA and 56 strikeouts.

DOWN

Garrett Atkins, 3B, Rockies: Colorado's third baseman is 2-for-15 in his last four games and is batting .256 on the season. Atkins broke out last season, batting .329 with 29 homers and 120 RBIs. He's homered just twice so far in '07.

Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals: He's another National League third baseman who's not meeting expectations so far at the plate. Rolen has just one hit in his last 32 at-bats and is batting .200 on the season. He's homered just twice after going yard 22 times in 142 games last season.

Matt Cain, SP, Giants: San Francisco's 22-year-old hurler has lost back-to-back starts. In his last outing against the Mets, Cain allowed 10 hits and four runs in seven innings. Before that, he was shelled for seven runs in three innings against the Phillies. Cain still has a solid 3.40 ERA on the season and has really only had one terrible start.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

After a four-game split with the Indians, the Orioles return to division play this week, hosting the Devil Rays for three and then heading to Fenway Park to take on the Red Sox.

Here are pitching matchups and fantasy nuggets for the week ahead.

For the three-game series against Tampa Bay:

Tuesday, 7:05 -- Jeremy Guthrie (1-1, 5.87 ERA) vs. Jae Seo (1-2, 8.19 ERA)

Wednesday, 7:05 -- Erik Bedard (3-2, 5.63 ERA) vs. James Shields (3-0, 3.74 ERA)

Thursday, 7:05 -- Daniel Cabrera (2-3, 4.00 ERA) vs. Casey Fossum (2-2, 7.34 ERA)

For the three-game series at Boston:

Friday, 7:05 -- Julian Tavarez (1-3, 6.48 ERA) vs. Brian Burres (0-1, 3.71 ERA)

Saturday, 1:05 -- Curt Schilling (4-1, 3.28 ERA) vs. Steve Trachsel (1-3, 3.70 ERA)

Sunday, 2:05 -- TBA

For the O's:

Who's hot?

Brian Roberts - The O's second baseman got off to a slow start this season, but is finding his groove. Roberts is 10-for-24 (.417) in his last six games. On the season, he's up to .279 with 12 stolen bases and 21 runs scored.

Steve Trachsel - He's been a consistent producer in the Orioles' rotation. Trachsel will never deliver big strikeout numbers, but he's allowed three runs or fewer in six of his seven starts. However, Trachsel has only one win to show for it. In his last start -- Monday against the Indians -- Trachsel allowed one earned run in six innings.

Who's not?

Jay Gibbons - The O's veteran has been out of the lineup for three straight games and is in the midst of a 3-for-38 slump. On the season, Gibbons is batting .188 with one homer and eight RBIs.

Brian Burres - The 26 year old was shelled in his first career start against the Indians, allowing five earned runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Because of the injuries to the Orioles' starting rotation, Burres will get another shot Friday at Fenway.

For the Devil Rays:

Who's hot?

B.J. Upton - The talented 22 year old has found a home as Tampa Bay's everyday second baseman and is producing tremendous results. Upton is batting .371 with six homers, 22 RBIs and five stolen bases.

James Shields - Tampa Bay's right-hander has thrown into the eighth inning in three straight starts and is 3-0 on the season. Shields is piling up the strikeouts with 29 in his last 23 1/3 innings. He's struck out 45 on the season and has a 3.74 ERA.

Who's not?

Rocco Baldelli - He's been in center field for 15 games this season and has DH'd in 13 others. Baldelli is currently stuck in a 1-for-21 (.048) slump. On the season, he's at .241 with five homers, 12 RBIs and four steals.

Edwin Jackson - The Devil Rays starter is 0-5 with a 6.99 ERA in six starts. In his last two outings, Jackson has allowed eight earned runs in 7 2/3 innings. For the season, he's struck out 20 while walking 18.

For the Red Sox:

Who's hot?

Manny Ramirez - Boston's left fielder has been on a tear over the last six games after starting off slow this season. Manny is 11-for-25 (.440) with three homers, two doubles and six RBIs in his last six games. On the season, he's hitting .245 with five homers and 17 RBIs.

Josh Beckett - Boston's 26-year-old righty is 6-0 with a 2.72 ERA. He's struck out 35 and walked nine. Beckett won 16 games in his first season with the Red Sox, but did so with a 5.01 ERA.

Who's not?

Julio Lugo - The Red Sox's shortstop is 2-for-23 (.087) in his last five games. Lugo's overall average is .221, but he's produced in other areas, with 13 RBIs, 17 runs and nine stolen bases.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - The product hasn't matched the hype so far. Dice-K was hammered in his last outing against the Mariners, giving up seven earned runs and surrendering five walks in five innings. He's given up four runs or more in three straight starts. Overall, Matsuzaka is 3-2 with a 5.45 ERA and 39 strikeouts.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

I covered Roger Clemens' fantasy value yesterday so here are some non-Rocket observations from the past week:

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Look who's back.

Roger Clemens announced during today's Yankees game against the Mariners that he will return to New York to pitch this season.

So at 44 years old, does the future Hall of Famer still possess any fantasy value?

Absolutely.

Clemens pulled the same stunt last year and eventually signed with the Astros. The results were pretty impressive. He went 7-6 with a 2.30 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 19 starts. His ERA was 1.87 in 2005 and 2.98 in 2004. He still has something left in the tank and should be picked up in all formats.

And don't discount New York's lineup. The Yankees' 14-15 start has not been due to a lack of run production. Entering today, they led the majors with 169 runs scored. Last season, Clemens had a great ERA and his usual stellar strikeout numbers, but they only translated to seven wins. Why? The Astros ranked 25th in the majors in runs scored. Remember, Randy Johnson won 17 games with the Yankees last year, despite a 5.00 ERA.

Expect his ERA to rise, but Clemens will be good for more wins also. Early reports indicate he'll train for a few weeks before making his first major league start of '07.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

Here are the top-scoring players overall at each position. This is based on standard scoring in a 5x5 league.

Mixed leagues:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .312, 18 RBIs, 19 runs, 5 SBs

First baseman: Adrian Gonzalez, Padres // .310, 8 HRs, 27 RBIs, 17 runs

Second baseman: Ian Kinsler, Rangers // .290, 9 HRs, 24 RBIs, 19 runs, 4 SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .365, 14 HRs, 34 RBIs, 29 runs, 2 SBs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .347, 19 RBIs, 29 runs, 17 SBs

Outfielder: Carlos Beltran, Mets // .348, 7 HRs, 25 RBIs, 19 runs, 5 SBs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .330, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs, 20 runs, 6 SBs

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .359, 9 HRs, 29 RBIs, 16 runs

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 6-0, 2.72 ERA, 35 K

Starting pitcher: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays // 4-0, 2.28 ERA, 0.89 WHIP

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 3-1, 2.06 ERA, 46 K

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 10 saves, 18 K, 1.29 ERA, 0.57 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 10 saves, 19 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.79 WHIP

NL-only:

Catcher: Russell Martin, Dodgers // .312, 18 RBIs, 19 runs, 5 SBs

First baseman: Adrian Gonzalez, Padres // .310, 8 HRs, 27 RBIs, 17 runs

Second baseman: Kelly Johnson, Braves // .323, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs, 3 SBs

Third baseman: Chipper Jones, Braves // .318, 10 HRs, 22 RBIs, 24 runs

Shortstop: Jose Reyes, Mets // .347, 19 RBIs, 29 runs, 17 SBs

Outfielder: Carlos Beltran, Mets // .348, 7 HRs, 25 RBIs, 19 runs, 5 SBs

Outfielder: Barry Bonds, Giants // .348, 9 HRs, 21 RBIs, 19 runs

Outfielder: Adam Dunn, Reds // .270, 8 HRs, 16 RBIs, 22 runs, 6 SBs

Starting pitcher: Jake Peavy, Padres // 3-1, 2.06 ERA, 46 K

Starting pitcher: Tim Hudson, Braves // 3-0, 1.40 ERA, 0.91 WHIP

Starting pitcher: John Maine, Mets // 4-0, 1.35 ERA

Relief pitcher: Francisco Cordero, Brewers // 10 saves, 19 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.79 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Takashi Saito, Dodgers // 8 saves, 17 K, 1.84 ERA, 0.68 WHIP

AL-only:

Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins // .354, 14 RBIs, 18 runs, 3 SBs

First baseman: Justin Morneau, Twins // .270, 6 HRs, 17 RBIs, 18 runs

Second baseman: Ian Kinsler, Rangers // .290, 9 HRs, 24 RBIs, 19 runs, 4 SBs

Third baseman: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees // .365, 14 HRs, 34 RBIs, 29 runs, 2 SBs

Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta, Indians // 6 HR, 22 RBIs

Outfielder: Torii Hunter, Twins // .330, 6 HRs, 20 RBIs, 20 runs, 6 SBs

Outfielder: Vladimir Guerrero, Angels // .359, 9 HRs, 29 RBIs, 16 runs

Outfielder: Grady Sizemore, Indians // 5 HRs, 12 RBIs, 24 runs, 9 SBs

Starting pitcher: Josh Beckett, Red Sox // 6-0, 2.72 ERA, 35 K

Starting pitcher: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays // 4-0, 2.28 ERA, 0.89 WHIP

Starting pitcher: C.C. Sabathia, Indians // 4-0, 3.38 ERA, 44 K

Relief pitcher: Al Reyes, Devil Rays // 10 saves, 18 K, 1.29 ERA, 0.57 WHIP

Relief pitcher: Francisco Rodriguez, Angels // 10 saves, 22 K, 2.70 ERA, 0.98 WHIP

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
                    

UP

Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves: The veteran third baseman has hit safely in 11 straight games. Jones has three homers, four RBIs and four runs in his last two games. Overall, he's batting .317 with 10 homers and 20 RBIs.

Jhonny Peralta, SS, Indians: Cleveland's shortstop has a pair of homers and eight RBIs in his last three games. Peralta is still batting just .241 on the season. His average fell to .257 last year after he hit .292 in '05.

John Maine, SP, Mets: The former Oriole has been spectacular so far, going 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA in five starts for New York. Maine has gone at least seven innings in four of five outings. He allowed no runs and three hits in his last start against the Nationals.

DOWN

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners: He's just 2-for-13 (.154) in his last three games. Ichiro has stolen one base after piling up 45 last season. Overall, he's batting .291 with a .337 on-base percentage.

Carlos Lee, OF, Astros: He's 3-for-20 (.150) in his last five games and is batting .242 overall. Lee hasn't homered in his last 13 games, but still has driven in 22.

Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees: It was not a good first month for the future Hall of Famer. Rivera picked up his first and only save of the season on April 28. As stated by Rotoworld, Rivera would have to toss 37 1/3 straight scoreless innings to match last year's ERA of 1.80. He's at 10.57 right now.

Posted by Sheil Kapadia at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)