Orioles-Diamondbacks
Here's a look at fantasy nuggets for the Orioles' three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks:
Orioles // Standing out: Aubrey Huff - With the Orioles having lost five straight, it's tough to find positives in the lineup. That being said, Huff is 12-for-26 (.462) in his last seven games. In the three-game series against Washington, he went 6-for-11. Overall, Huff is batting .272 with four homers and 30 RBIs.
Player to watch: Brian Roberts - He's been one of the team's most productive fantasy players this season, but Roberts went 0-for-14 in three games against the Nationals and reached base just once all series. He's 4-for-27 (.148) in his last six games. Overall, Roberts is batting .306 with 40 runs and 22 steals.
On the mound: Steve Trachsel - I wrote in this space a couple weeks ago that it was a good time to unload Trachsel, but he's continued to produce in the Orioles' rotation. Trachsel allowed four runs in seven innings in his last start against the Nationals and two runs in six innings in his previous start against the Rockies. He's 5-4 with a 3.94 ERA overall. The red flags for fantasy owners -- Trachsel's struck out 23 and walked 38; opponents' batting average of balls in play is .225.
Diamondbacks // Standing out: Eric Byrnes - The former Oriole is hitting .312 with nine homers, 33 RBIs, 38 runs and 12 steals. Last year, Byrnes showed a good blend of speed and power, hitting 26 homers and stealing 25 bases. With the Orioles in '05, he hit .226 with 10 homers and seven stolen bases in 126 games.
Player to watch: Stephen Drew - Arizona's shortstop has struggled in his first full season in the majors. Drew is batting .241 with three homers and 26 RBIs. In 59 games with the Diamondbacks last season, he hit .316.
On the mound: Randy Johnson - Returning to Arizona, the Big Unit is 4-2 with a 3.52 ERA in nine starts this season. He's struck out 70 batters in 53 2/3 innings and has walked just 11. Johnson is 4-0 in his last five starts and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in all of those outings.


Comments
'Sup Fantasy Guy? Again, thanks for the content. So far I've been pleased with my fantasy baseball results based upon your (among many others') info.
What are your thoughts on a trade involving Ian Kinsler for either Julio Lugo, Sammy Sosa, or Carlos Pena? I'm tempted to let go of Sosa, but the granny tonight made me hesitate. Plus, while Sosa's been a nice surprise, I'm skeptical. Additional reasoning for letting Sosa slide is that I already have the DL'ed Texan Texiera. Just can't bring myself to have three of Walker's Rangers on my squad. Please help.
Posted by: brooksflow | June 16, 2007 2:18 AM