MLB Fantasy Baseball: Friday News and Notes

No time for much news today, so right to the notes for your Friday and Saturday games.

 

Notes for today's games:

• David Ortiz returns for Boston. Get him right back in the lineup. He was very good in his rehab assignments and looks to be swinging the bat well. Most importantly, without pain.
• Joe Saunders might have recorded the win, but did not look good in his last outing against Baltimore. Still, given his record on the road at 6-3 and a 2.23 ERA to boot, you play him every time out until proven otherwise.
• Josh Johnson has had two respectable outings since his return from the DL, but this one is on the road against one of the National League's best teams. This isn't a gamble worth taking here, but again, monitor his start. He's going to be recommended sooner rather than later.
• We're willing to bet that there are better options than Bobby Abreu (.186) and Jason Giambi (.217) available to most owners. Neither guy hits Josh Beckett well at all. Look for alternatives. Beckett is pitching better, but his problems with the long ball are going to make you question his ERA. But the 1.16 WHIP is always a good sign.
• Jair Jurrjens is holding opponents to just a .221 average on the road. Jurrjens has been solid and should be considered a decent option in every format.
• If you ever plan on using Zach Duke, the only place to do so is at home against sub-par offenses. It's what we have here, as San Diego continues to struggle when it comes to swinging the bat. Duke is a decent spot option in deeper leagues, if you need a win.
• Placido Polanco and Carlos Guillen just flat out rake against Gavin Floyd. Floyd is 2-0 against Detroit this season with an ERA just over two. He's been hot in July, holding opponents to just a .203 batting average. Nate Robertson, not so much. Start every White Sox player you can get your hands on, as the team hits over .300 against Robertson.
• The way he's going, I'll start Manny Parra against almost anyone right now. You should too, especially against a struggling Astros offense. Parra's allowed a total of two runs in his last twenty innings on the road. Not too shabby.
• Spot start calls? Go with John Lannan, Manny Parra, Brian Burres, and Edwin Jackson.

 

Notes for Saturday:

• As hot as Alex Rios has been, he actually only hits .158 against Carlos Silva. Yes, Carlos Silva dominates someone. Beyond that, no reason to bench any Blue Jays and certainly not a reason to start Carlos Silva. Ever.
• The only Red Sox regular hitting under .300 against Andy Pettitte is Julio Lugo, and he's on the DL. I'd certainly make sure to have every Red Sox player availble in the lineup. Pettitte was roughed up in his first outing against Boston this season.
• Dave Bush is pitching at home for Milwaukee. Bush has been on fire at home, and the Astros offense contines to struggle. I'd keep Bush active, especially at home going forward. Start your regular Astros, but if you have better alternatives for borderline starters, such as Hunter Pence, look to use them.
• Jason Giambi is under .200 against Tim Wakefield. It's possible the Yankees will use Richie Sexson here instead of Giambi. The remainder of the Yankees' lineup is filled with guys that aren't superb against the knuckler, but should be kept in the lineup. The stats aren't poor, just not amazing.
• Fausto Carmona is going to get the ball for Cleveland. I'm always nervous about the immediate starts coming off the DL. No difference here. Keep him reserved for a start. He draws Scott Baker, who has been very good in the last month and a half. Baker should be owned in all formats and certainly started.
• Scott Kazmir has struggled on the road and continues to have problems with his command. He's tough to sit, especially against Kansas City. But if you can afford to miss the strikeouts, he'll likely harm your WHIP and may not last beyond five innings. It's been his MO the last few starts away from home.
• I'm always a fan of Radhames Liz at home, even against a good team like Anaheim. It's a good matchup for Liz, as Anaheim has not travelled well this season and could be looking ahead to a series with Boston next week. Baltimore is a good park for Liz.
• Spot Start calls? We like Liz, Bush, Baker, and Odalis Perez

We're off the reservation for the weekend, out in Cooperstown. You can find us at Cooley's Bar soaking in the seen, so come on by if you're in the area. The 'Table welcomes more degenerates. Enjoy the baseball!