With Fantasy Baseball season fast approaching its end; there are still players available for any Fantasy team. To know who they are one must read this week’s Start/Sit.
Starting Pitcher in focus: Jorge De La Rosa
Since the All-Star break, he is 5-1, with a 3.00 ERA. In 39 innings pitched, he has struck out 41 hitters and is holding opponents to a .255 batting average. He has won nine out of his last ten decisions and will face the San Francisco Giants. In his career against the Giants, he is 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA, making him a must start for week 20.
Pitchers we love for week 20: Ricky Nolasco, Ryan Dempster, Scott Feldman, Pedro Martinez, Ricky Romero, Carl Pavano,
Starter to Avoid for week 20: Kevin Millwood
In his last six starts, he is 1-2, with an ERA of 5.28. During that span, he has a WHIP of 1.50 and has only 19 strike outs in his last 30 2/3 innings pitched. His next start is against the Minnesota Twins, where he has struggled against them in the past. In ten career starts, he is 0-6, with an ERA of 6.00, making him a risky start for week 20.
Other Starters to Avoid for week 19: Jon Garland, Manny Parra, Fausto Carmona, Oliver Perez
Position Players: Infielders:
In his last 28 games 1B Kyle Blanks, he is hitting .289, with six home runs, and 11 RBI. His OPS is .982, and has scored 16 runs during his hot streak. He is a definite sleeper player and an excellent NL-Only option for week 20.
In his last 15 games, 2B Mark Ellis is hitting .431, with two home runs, and19 RBI. His OPS is a staggering 1.054. He has emerged as a viable option, and is a recommended AL-Only start for week 20.
Since being called up SS Alcides Escobar has done well. He has hit in three of four games and has one RBI and a stolen base. Over his last two years in the minors, he has 12 home runs, with 109 RBI, and has 75 stolen bases. In 2007, he hit .305, and in 2008 he hit .327. Before being called up, he was hitting .297, making him a must start in all Rotisserie leagues.
In his last 24 games 3B Jake Fox has four home runs, with 17 RBI, and is hitting .274. The Chicago Cubs will play all their games on the road, where Fox excels. In 26 road games, he has five home runs, with 16 RBI, and is hitting .319.
Infielder to Avoid: Paul Konerko
In 13 games since the All-Star break, he is hitting .171, with one home run, and two RBI. His OPS during that stretch is a mere .607. He is in the midst of a 0 for 22 stretch and should be on the bench for week 20.
Outfielders:
OF Carlos Gonzalez is becoming a valuable player in NL-Only leagues. In his last 14 games, he is hitting .400, with four home runs, ten RBI, and nine runs scored. During his hot stretch, he has an OPS of 1.198. He is on the verge of becoming a star and should start in week 20.
Over his last 15 games OF Chris Coghlan is hitting .420, with two home runs, and 13 RBI. During that span, he has scored 14 runs and has an OPS of 1.072. He is also eligible at 3rd base, making him a must start in mixed leagues for week 20.
Over his last 14 games OF Will Venable is on fire. Over that span, he has four home runs, with 12 RBI, and is hitting .356. He is getting plenty at-bats and is becoming a viable option for NL-Only leagues.
Outfielder to Avoid in week 20: Luke Scott
Over his last 23 games, Scott is hitting .163, with two home runs, and seven RBI. His OPS is a mere .543. The Baltimore Orioles will playing their games all on the road, where Scott struggles. On the road, he is hitting .245, with six home runs and 24 RBI.
Catchers: Jeff Baker
In his last 20 games, he has one home run, and 12 RBI. Over that stretch, he is hitting .348. Do not hesitate to plug him as a No. 2 Fantasy catcher for week 20.
Catcher to Avoid: Geovany Soto
Relief Pitchers: Jim Johnson
He has not allowed only one run in his last seven appearances, and has converted three save opportunities in August. On the year, he is 3-4, with an ERA of 2.93. Fantasy owners desperate for saves should consider him for week 20.
Relief Pitcher to Avoid: Matt Capps
