Here's a look at fantasy nuggets for the Orioles' three-game series against the Athletics:

Orioles // Standing out: Nick Markakis had a big second half last year, hitting .311 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs after the All-Star break. The O's right fielder is starting off the second half of '07 in the same way. Markakis is 13-for-29 (.448) with a homer, five extra-base hits and seven RBIs in seven games since the break. Overall, Markakis is batting .293 with 10 homers, 58 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

Player to watch: Corey Patterson was arguably the Orioles' most disappointing fantasy player during the first half of the season. In '06, he hit .276 with 16 homers and 45 stolen bases. In the first half this season, he hit .232 with two homers and 18 steals. However, since the break, Patterson is 14-for-28 (.500) with a pair of homers, six runs and two stolen bases.

On the mound: Erik Bedard was scratched from his last scheduled start because of a stiff neck but is set to take the mound tonight. The O's lefty has been dominant in his last two starts, having allowed no runs and five hits in 16 innings while striking out 22 and walking two. Bedard leads the majors with 156 strikeouts and has not lost in his last six outings.

Athletics // Standing out: Considering Oakland is batting an MLB-worst .191 since the All-Star break, I'm going to go with pitching in this spot. Starter Lenny DiNardo has allowed two runs or fewer in three straight starts. In his last outing against the Rangers, DiNardo allowed no runs and three hits in seven innings. Overall, he has a 2.51 ERA and has started nine games.

Player to watch: Third baseman Eric Chavez continues to frustrate fantasy owners with his low average. He set a career-low last season by batting .241, and Chavez hasn't been much better in '07, batting .245. Looking on the bright side, he looks like a sure bet to hit more than 20 home runs for the eighth straight season. Chavez has 15 bombs and 46 RBIs. He's hitting .200 since the All-Star break.

On the mound: Starter Joe Blanton is having a good season overall (8-6, 3.36 ERA), but he's struggled recently. In his last two outings, Blanton has been roughed up for 22 hits and nine runs in 13 2/3 innings. He's tossed three complete games on the year and only C.C. Sabathia and James Shields have logged more innings on the season.