Big Fantasy Names You Have To Know: Dodgers-Diamondbacks

Dodger Stadium, Credit: brett.wagner, Flickr

Tonight, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks will go all out in an important three game series.  Currently, the Diamondbacks are ahead of the Dodgers in the NL West race, 1 1/2 games ahead.  Here are a few of the fantasy names you should watch out for and consider starting as these games are played.

Dan Haren, Arizona.  Haren has been absolutely amazing this season, and he has been a bit overshadowed by the stellar pitching of other teammate Brandon Webb.  However, some could argue his numbers are actually better than Webb.  His 176-30 K/BB ratio is much better than Webb’s (160-51).  In addition, his WHIP (1.09) is also significantly better to Webb (1.17).  The duo of Haren and Webb are undoubtedly going to keep the Diamondbacks in games, but Haren is a must start against the Dodgers tonight.

Casey Blake, Los Angeles.  Blake is one of those players who are constantly overlooked in fantasy, but be careful, this guy has been on fire in September!  Over his last seven games, Blake has batted .400 with 3 home runs, and he has established himself as a big time run producer down the stretch.  With the Dodgers losing Jeff Kent, look for Blake to continue to establish his presence in the Dodgers lineup.  If he is still available in your league, he could provide nice value.

Chad Billingsley, Los Angeles.  Billingsley is one of those starters that isn’t widely discussed, but he has been phenomenal in fantasy leagues this year.  In his past ten starts for the Dodgers, Billingsley has not allowed more than 3 runs: quite a great run!  Run support from the Dodgers can sometimes be a problem, but he is right in line to produce another quality start for his team in Game 2.  Start Billingsley with confidence as he deals with Brandon Webb…I bet he can take him down and put up nice strikeout numbers in the process.

Stephen Drew, Arizona.  Drew has been on fire for the Diamondbacks, and definitely at the right time.  Over the past seven days, Drew has produced 23 total bases: quite a high number compared to the second place player on his team, Chris B. Young (14).  Arizona’s offense has to generate runs, and Drew is the one who has to lead them if they want to win this series.  I like more fantasy numbers from Drew: batting average, runs, and a home run or two.

* Check out this post on my fantasy baseball blog here!