AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Justin Verlander (CLE, NYY) – Verlander had two key victories to keep the Detroit Tigers within striking distances of the post-season. The Tigers’ right-hander won his last two games, including holding the New York Yankees to three runs at Yankee Stadium.
Shaun Marcum (OAK, @LAA) – All Marcum has done is win his last five consecutive decisions for the Blue Jays. During that stretch, Marcum has allowed only seven runs and took a no-hitting into seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 10.
Dan Haren (@TOR, @T.B.) – Haren has failed to earn a victory in his last three starts, but still is putting up solid numbers. Despite the recent dry spell in the win column, Haren has only surrendered 16 runs in his last seven contests en route to 13 wins.
Fausto Carmona (@DET, @K.C.) – Carmona struck out a career-high 10 batters to earn his 14th win of the season against division-rival Detroit last Wednesday. His impressive season continues to get better and expect him to play a key role for the Cleveland Indians down the stretch.
FORGET THEM
Dustin Moseley (NYY, TOR) – Despite a 4-2 record, Moseley’s ERA (4.84) is simply not good enough to take a chance on with the Yankees and Blue Jays on the schedule. Moseley has also allowed three or more runs in his previous three games prior to last Wednesday’s contest against the Blue Jays.
Vicente Padilla (@BAL, SEA) – Do you really want to take a chance on a pitcher that is 3-8 with a 6.30 season ERA? I didn’t think so.
John Rheinecker (@BAL, SEA) – Rheinecker is another Rangers’ starting pitcher who should be avoided at all cost this week. Rheinecker’s control has been all over the map recently, giving up 18 runs in his last four games.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Tim Lincecum (CHC, MIL) – Lincecum should be back in plenty of time to pitch against the Cubs on Tuesday after the Giants placed him on the bereavement list. Lincecum (7-3) has a 3.95 ERA in 19 starts this season and remains a must-start.
Adam Wainwright (FLA, ATL) – Wainwright has bounced back from a tough stretch to help the Cardinals make a run for a playoff spot in the National League Central. The first-year starter has given up only seven runs in his last four games, and looks to have his curve ball working again.
Brad Penny (@PHA, @NYM) – Penny has a 4-2 record in the second half while sporting an impressive 3.18 ERA. The 14-game winner has been a key component of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation.
Tim Hudson (@CIN, @STL) – At 14-5, Hudson has won eight consecutive decisions and sports one of the better ERAs (3.02) in the National League. Hudson hasn't tasted defeat since June 19 and has lasted at least six innings in all but one of his 10 starts.
FORGET THEM
Yovani Gallardo (@ARI, @S.F.) – I realize Gallardo has a bright future, but the kid has been awful of late. Maybe it’s the pressure of a pennant race, but Gallardo looked shaky in his last two starts, surrendering 18 runs in only 8 1/3 innings.
Jason Jennings (WAS, COL) – Jennings (2-8) has been a disastrous acquisition for the Houston Astros this year. Even getting the Nationals and Rockies at home isn’t enough for me to suggest starting the injury-plagued right-hander.
Chuck James (@CIN, @STL) – I don’t care that James plays for the Braves, whenever a pitcher allowed 14 earned runs in his last three games, then its time for him to grab some bench.
QUICK HITS
Can there be any doubt that Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb is the hottest player in the majors. Webb posted his third straight complete-game shutout on Friday against a tough Atlanta Braves team. He stretched his scoreless streak to 42 innings and became the first pitcher since Orel Hershiser (59) in 1988 to thrwo at least 40 innings without giving up a run.
The Baltimore Orioles will be looking for another closer for the 2008 season after news broke that stopper Chris Ray underwent Tommy John surgery on Thursday. Ray, who was place don’t he 15-day DL on July 21st with a sprained right elbow, is reportedly expected to miss the entire 2008 season.
Keep your eye on Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ prospect Evan Longoria for a September call-up. The third baseman has knocked the cover off the ball in the minors and some feel Longaria could produce as quickly as Milwaukee Brewers rookie Ryan Braun.