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Pitcher Six-Pack

Rafael Betancourt, RP (CLE): If you were one of those guys that wondered why studs like Rafael Betancourt and Joel Zumaya were mowing people down in the eighth inning, but were still kept out of the closer's role because of scrubs like Joe Borowski and Todd Jones, you still don't have your answer. But at least for now, with the Cleveland Indians' situation, you can get a better idea of what life would be like if Betancourt was closing full-time. He'll take over the role for the short term - and possibly long term - as Borowski deals with a strained triceps on the disabled list. Betancourt should be a decent saves option for now.

Cliff Lee, SP (CLE): I know I can interest you in some Sara Lee, but how about some Cliff Lee? Lee has allowed one earned run in 14.2 innings pitched this season with a 12-1 K-BB ratio. Clearly, he's been virtually unhittable. Temper your excitement a little bit since both outings were against the Oakland Athletics, but this is a notable start. And the A's were actually third in the league in runs scored when Lee finished up his second outing against them.

Ryan Dempster, SP (CHC): If you are looking for a serviceable rental, Ryan Dempster might be your guy. He stepped out of the limelight when he moved from the Chicago Cubs closer role to their starting rotation and he has subtly pieced together three solid starts. Dempster has two wins, an ERA of 2.35, 13 K's and a WHIP of 0.95. He has pitched at least six innings in each start as well.

Scott Olsen, SP (FLA): I may have done something stupid. It's not as stupid as some of things that Scott Olsen has done in his career, such as driving 48 mph in a 35 mph zone, kicking cops or getting tasered, but it might not be considered smart. I added Olsen to my fantasy team. It is hard not to be impressed by his last outing: 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB. Not out-of-this-world, but for a waiver-wire guy in my 12-team league, it's worth a shot. Plus, I dropped Austin Kearns for him. It's hard to gauge what the upside really is for Olsen. He has tons of talent but he pitches like his erratic personality. As an ode to all of those girlfriends who try to right bad boyfriends, I picked up Olsen thinking I might finally be buying low when he puts it together. Check back later for when I drop him.

Jeremy Accardo, RP (TOR): This is mostly just a note that Jeremy Accardo's value has gone bye-bye. B.J. Ryan is back, which pushes Accardo to the eighth inning. Without saves, Accardo is a stretch to keep on your roster unless you are in a very deep league. He might spell Ryan here and there but otherwise, don't expect much fantasy value from Accardo.

Jonathan Sanchez, SP (SF):
One guy to take a sniff around is Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants. His ERA is 6.00 and his WHIP is 1.47, which may have already compelled you to click the red 'x' at the top right corner of your browser. The general point here is his 21 strikeouts. Considering the league-leaders are at 24, Sanchez's total is quite impressive for an inconspicuous waiver-wire pitcher. Given the rate that he is whiffing batters, there is plenty of upside.

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About this blog

Dave Golokhov
Fantasy sports are to Dave Golokhov what a lack of power is to the Orioles lineup; it is not just a hobby, it is a way of life. Dave has been a fantasy expert for Rotowire and hosts a weekly fantasy show on Saturdays at 12 p.m. EST on Hardcore Sports Radio, Channel 186 on Sirius Satellite Radio. From draft day decisions to waiver-wire watching, he'll be the fantasy version of your fantasy Dr. Phil: just ask the questions and he'll dole the advice. E-mail Dave
Dean Jones
Dean Jones Jr. is a Web producer at baltimoresun.com. Thanks to fantasy sports, he is able to make decisions that he wishes the Orioles and Ravens would make for their teams. He will be a regular contributor to the fantasy blog.
E-mail Dean
2008 MLB positional rankings Catchers
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