AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
C.C. Sabathia (@SEA, @K.C.) – Sabathia (18-7) reached a career-high in wins during his last start against the Tigers by giving up just two runs and five hits in seven innings.
Felix Hernandez (CLE, TEX) – While Hernandez hasn’t had the breakout season many expected, the Mariners’ hurler has won three of his last four games and should remain a solid option in the final week.
Zack Greinke (@CHW, CLE) – Greinke hasn’t pitched deep into games recently, aside from his last start, but his 3.62 ERA is still strong.
Jered Weaver (@TEX, @OAK) – Weaver has won five of his last six starts, allowing more than three runs in a game only twice.
FORGET THEM
Ervin Santana (@TEX, @OAK) – Santana has only surrendered three runs in his last four games, but with a bloated 5.63 ERA, would you want to risk the downside in the final week?
Brandon McCarthy (LAA, @SEA) – McCarthy is suffering from forearm tendinitis and could be miss the last week.
Nate Robertson (MIN, @CHW) – Stay away from that 4.94 ERA.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Adam Wainwright (@MIL, @PIT) – Wainwright has allowed only seven runs in his last five games and has really bounced back from a mediocre first half.
Brad Penny (COL, S.F.) – Penny’s record (16-4) and ERA (2.93) make him a must-start this week.
Chuck James (@PHI, @HOU) – James hasn’t been getting great run support, but has only given up eight runs in his last four games.
Ted Lilly (@FLA, @CIN) – Lilly hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a game in over a month. The lefty (15-7) has been a terrific signing for the Cubs.
FORGET THEM
Barry Zito (S.D., @LAD) – Think the Giants are regretting signing Zito to that ridiculous $126-million contract?
Matt Chico (@NYM, @PHI) – Chico will be facing some serious bats this week.
Doug Davis (@PIT, @COL) – Davis has allowed 12 runs in his last three games and hasn’t won in almost three weeks.
QUICK HITS
The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t get the bang for their buck this season from Vernon Wells after signing him to a $126-million deal in the off-season. The injured center-fielder endured the worst season of his career, hitting just .245 with 16 homers and 80 RBI.
Another outfielder looking to rebound in 2008 is Pittsburgh slugger Jason Bay.
The Canadian has battled knee pain throughout this season, managing only 21 home runs and a dismal .249 batting average.
I don’t anticipate Tampa Bay slugger Carlos Pena being a waiver pickup next season. Pena, who finally broke through in 2007, has smacked 40 home runs for the Devil Rays and appears to have rescued what looked like a dormant career.