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The other side of the coin shows the Astros at 31-36 on the road.
The next game gets a potential "slugfest" alert. Even though it's not in the Texas heat, the Rangers will still be playing just slightly up the road a bit. Give 3B Hank Blalock a shot, at only 9.4 percent owned. Those numbers will increase strictly based off of his career line of: 12-30, three HR, and eight RBI against Gil Meche. He will also have his hands full with C Gerald Laird, who is batting .444 in nine career at-bats, against arguably one of the most overpaid pitchers in baseball. Kansas City looks to OF David Dejesus against Texas' Seth Feldman. Dejesus has done phenomenally well in limited playing time against Feldman, 2-2, a HR, two RBI, four BB, and two SB.
The West Coast games start when Oakland's Dallas Braden takes on Anaheim's Jered Weaver. Take a chance with SS Bobby Crosby, who is 2-6 with a HR, three RBI, and a SB against the 10-game winner.
Dan Haren vs. Jake Peavy, sounds like a pitching duel, but it wasn't this past Wednesday when they met. The two combined for 17 H and 10 ER in 11 IP. Counter Haren with OF Jody Gerut, who is 5-10 against him with a solo HR. He's also hit 6 HR already this month. At home, Jake Peavy is "lights out," holding opponents to a .193 batting average. His ERA? An even more impressive 1.42!
Francisco Liriano looks for his fifth-straight win since being called up earlier this month. The man is on fire and he's drawn some easy bait in the form of Miguel Batista and the Seattle Mariners. Look for 2B/SS/3B Nick Punto and OF Jason Kubel to combine and make the most in limited opportunities. Punto's only AB previously against Batista was a two-run shot, while he earned walks in his other three plate appearances, in turn, stealing two bases. Kubel's prior accomplishments against Batista almost pale in comparison, but he is still a perfect 2-2 with an RBI.
- Matt Cain, will be at home in San Francisco, looking for just his ninth win of the season. A 1.88 ERA over his past eight games should help his cause. Facing him will be Colorado's lefty Jeff Francis, who has an ERA two full points higher on the season at 5.52, and may be staring loss No. 9 right in the face. Especially if Matt Cain continues his hot streak.
There's good news about the potential spot-starters on the hitting side to kick off this week, as we can field an entire lineup at each position on the field and still have one on the bench. Brett Myers, Clayton Richard, and Mike Pelfrey are all great spot-start opportunities on the pitching side.
Let's start the week off right; consider it the warm-up before the playoffs begin for all you head-to-head players out there in cyberland. For those playing in rotisserie leagues, if you find yourself behind at certain positions and categories, be sure to utilize the spot-start strategy. Most importantly, I wish you good luck. Now is the time to have it!
Shaun Copsey currently manages seven fantasy baseball teams, one in fourth, two in third, one in second, and the final three occupying first place.
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