MLB Fantasy Baseball: Friday News and Notes

It's time to make that last push for the finals. Take a deep breath, relax, and don't put too much pressure on yourself...Ok, that's a lie. We know this is for bragging rights. Why else would we play? Let's get to the notes. 

• Hurricane Ike has forced the Astros to change their plans. The Astros have postponed tonight's game, as well as Saturday's game. There is a distinct possibility that there will be no game on Sunday as well. That in mind, make sure to adjust rosters accordingly. Carlos Zambrano won't be around to help staffs, and the Cubs bats won't be in lineups.
• Roy Oswalt continued his run of dominating performances. Oswalt shut out the Pirates last night, allowing just three hits while striking out four in the win. Many people wanted to leave him for dead earlier this season, but Oswalt seems to have figured it all out. No clue what happened, but I'm not about to question it either.
• As owners, there isn't much we can do about what happens when a starter hands the ball over to the bullpen. That's the case with the guys in Minnesota right now. The starters continue to provide good performances, like we saw from Francisco Liriano last night. When the ball is handed to the 'pen, all hell breaks loose.
• Prince Fielder hit his first home run in 85 at-bats last night against the Phillies. It only took him a lefty pitching on three-days rest, throwing under 85 mph to get the job done. Oh, and Moyer had to miss his spot big time as well. Fielder now has 29 home runs on the season, but to say that this is a slight disappointment following his 2007 season is an understatement.
• Joe Crede is out to get a second opinion on his sore back. Crede has missed significant time during the second half as a result of the injury. He had sugery on the back last season, but it flared up on him last month, and he hasn't been back since. The key for the White Sox is to get him ready for the playoffs. The key for Crede might be to get ready for free agency.
• Rich Harden looked good over six innings for the Cubs to pick up the win. Harden should be back on normal rest going forward and, again, owners shouldn't hesitate to be using him as needed. Even nicer, those who used Todd Wellemeyer were likely only disappointed by the fact the starter did not record the win.
• In the case of "Numbers Sometimes Lie," we have Matt Cain. Cain had done nothing all year but dominate the Padres, but he was lit up like a Christmas tree last night by that same offense. Adrian Gonzalez, who was below .200 against Cain, hit two home runs last night. It was a party last night for the offense, for certain.
• Surprising as this might be, I'm not that impressed with K-Rod's saves total. Last night is a perfect example as to why he is a product of amazing circumstances. Jered Weaver threw six solid innings last night, giving up no runs on three hits. The bullpen came in and turned a six run lead into a two run lead VERY quickly. Rodriguez then comes in and records a three-out save. From a fantasy perspective, it's impressive. From an ability to duplicate next year, it will be VERY tough. This was like a perfect storm.

Notes for Friday

• While Jeff Francis hasn't been good at home, he has been able to control the Dodgers in his four starts this season. This is merely a matter of luck. Most Dodgers regulars are around .400 against Francis. Especially in Coors, you have to keep them active. The exception is James Loney, who is 1-for-15 against Francis.
• Brad Hawpe is the best bet against Chad Billingsley, since Yorvit Torrealba is done for the season. Billingsley has been tough on the road and was solid in his one outing against the Rockies this season.
• Joe Saunders is 3-0 against the Mariners this season. They've hit just .228 against him as a team, and only Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre are over .300 against the Angels starter. Start them, but replace as many other Mariners as you have valid options for.
• The Yankees have decided to shuffle their rotation around and use Sidney Ponson on Friday against Matt Garza. This doesn't necessarily change how we feel about Garza, but it does give him a better shot for a win. Garza struggles on the road to the point that he really should be held back. He's 4-6 on the road with a 4.43 ERA.
• Kelly Johnson has been hot for the Braves, and he actually hits Johan Santana very well. Johnson is 4-for-10 against Santana lifetime. Santana has controlled other fringe Braves bats, but hasn't had luck against Chipper Jones. No reason for concern with the start, and only keep these Braves active if you have options.
• Scott Olsen has been very solid at home all season and is 2-0 against Washington. With Washington struggling at the plate, Olsen makes a fine play pitching in his home ballpark. The Nationals are hitting just .183 against him this season.
• Jhonny Peralta, Ryan Garko, and Asdrubal Cabrera are all solid against Gil Meche. Grady Sizemore checks in at just .200 in 30 at-bats. Meche did beat the Indians last time out, but the numbers aren't in his favor overall.
• The Blue Jays haven't been great against Tim Wakefield, but they haven't been bad either. 4-for-13 seems to be the magic number, as three Blue Jays have that record against him. Alex Rios doesn't have a solid average, but has hit three home runs against him in 36 at-bats. Wake has struggled since his return from the DL. Avoid him if you can.
• Jake Peavy has been historically tough against the Giants. There is no Giants player available hitting about .225 against him with enough at-bats. While Peavy is 0-1 against them this season, batters are hitting just .192 against him at home. Reserve all your Giants.
• Justin Verlander has had five cracks against the White Sox and come up 1-4 with a 6.09 ERA. His last three outings overall have just been awful. I wouldn't start him in my fantasy playoffs. Even if it's a good outing, the risk outweighs the reward here. Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera would be the only White Sox to hold off on.
• Spot Starts: Scott Olsen, Scott Baker, and Paul Maholm.

Notes For Saturday

• Look to see Sean Casey in the lineup against A.J. Burnett on Saturday. Casey is a .565 hitter against the Blue Jays starter. Your regular Red Sox are decent plays, but don't expect to see Coco Crisp get the start here. He's just 1-for-11 against Burnett.
• Mike Mussina is 3-0 against Tampa this season, with an ERA under 2.00. His damage has largely been done at home, where he's 10-6. B.J. Upton and Dioner Navarro are your best plays against him.
• Javier Vazquez is 1-3 against the Tigers this season, with a 5.33 ERA. He's only 6-6 at home on the year, so don't look to him if you're in need of a win to get that push. Gary Sheffield and Maggio Ordonez struggle against Vazquez, but Polanco, Renteria, and Cabrera are good to go.
• Bartolo Colon will go against Jesse Litsch in the second game of a doubleheader. If you can get your hands on Litsch, he's a solid option against the Red Sox. He's pitched too well since his return from the minors to be benched now. It's mirroring the situation we have with Brett Myers now. Don't expect the world from Colon, as he will need to work on his stamina.
• Chris Young has been dominant at home, and even going against Tim Lincecum he's going to provide peripheral stats to make him a good start. Lincecum may come away with the win, but this will be a low-scoring affair. Avoid the offenses on both sides.
• The Mariners have ripped Jon Garland often enough to make you keep him on the bench. Garland has been less than effective at home, with an ERA hovering around 4.50. All Mariners regulars are above .300 against him.
• Big fan of Adam Wainwright on the road against Pittsburgh as well. Wainwright has an ERA around 3.25 on the road, and batters are hitting just .235 against him away from home. He's not a glamour name, but he'll get the job done going against Karstens and the Pirates.
• Spot Starts: Dave Bush, Adam Wainwright, Brandon McCarthy, Josh Johnson

We'll be around all weekend to answer your questions. Send an email to [e-mail].