Starting pitcher rankings for Thursday, July 16

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BadCo

BadCo

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<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Name </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> T </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 35px;"><center> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> K/9 </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPSA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPS </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> CT% </center></th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .707 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .766 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.0% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dallas Braden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .673 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .787 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .720 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .720 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Lowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .732 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .735 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Wolf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .700 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .735 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Volstad </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .746 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .793 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Cook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .766 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .681 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Lannan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .774 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .721 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Garrett Olson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .747 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .765 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Gaudin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .692 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .779 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamie Moyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .895 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @FLA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Homer Bailey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .607 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .760 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rich Harden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .848 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .753 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Braden Looper </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .822 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .709 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Oliver Perez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .915 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ervin Santana </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.011 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .687 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.4% </td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning. K/9: Pitcher's average number of strikeouts per nine innings. OPSA: Pitcher's on-base plus slugging percentage surrendered to opponents. OPS: Pitcher's opponent's composite team on-base plus slugging percentage. CT%: Pitcher's opponent's success rate putting the ball in play (versus striking out).
 
BadCo

BadCo

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Selected notes:
Wandy Rodriguez entered the All-Star break on fire, with a 2-0 record and a 2.05 ERA in his last three starts. Although the Dodgers have a strong offense, we'll give Wandy the nod and hope their timing is a bit off with a few days having passed since they last faced big league pitching. … The Angels have a number of bats out of the lineup (Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero are on the DL, Juan Rivera is day-to-day with a tight hamstring), and with a makeshift lineup, we like Dallas Braden to have a strong outing. It also helps that Braden is going up against Ervin Santana, who has an 0-3 record with a 9.88 ERA in his last three outings. … Cliff Lee has historically pitched well against Seattle, with a 7-1 lifetime record against the M's. Yes, we're quite aware that lineups change over the years, and the Mariners of 2009 are not the Mariners of 2004, when Lee first faced them. But don't think Lee isn't aware of that 7-1 record. Part of pitching is the mental aspect of the game, and if Lee thinks he's a better pitcher against this opponent based on past history, no matter how long ago, then there's every chance he will be. … Lately we've been liking every pitcher who faces the Mets, as long as their last name isn't Cueto. Derek Lowe certainly qualifies in that not-so-exclusive club. Meanwhile, Randy Wolf should have a good game against the Astros, who are 12th in the NL in runs scored. … Chris Volstad is facing the hot-hitting Phillies, but since pretty much everyone in their starting lineup went to the All-Star Game, we're going to bet on their having just a little less spring in their step on Thursday. We like Volstad to beat the Phillies for the second time this season, even factoring in Jamie Moyer's career mark of 7-0 at the Shark. … There's a new skipper in Washington, with Manny Acta out and Jim Riggleman in. It's not going to get the Nationals out of the cellar anytime soon, but the team might muster up enough fight to propel John Lannan to a victory over the Cubs in Riggleman's debut. Plus, Rich Harden is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA in his past three starts. … Garrett Olson starts instead of recently demoted Brandon Morrow, and has a 2.16 ERA in his last three appearances. He's worth a flier, especially in a short week. … Braden Looper has already faced the Reds three times in 2009, and the 5.51 ERA he has against them doesn't exactly make us feel comfortable starting him the fourth time around. Homer Bailey goes for the Reds, and although he's only 2-5 lifetime at the Great American Ballpark, considering the fact that he has won just one more game on the road in his career, that stat doesn't seem nearly as bad. … Finally, there's Oliver Perez. Despite winning his last start on July 8, he went only five innings and needed 108 pitches to get that far. Sorry, Ollie. We're just not that into you.
Now batting

Hitters' count:
• David Wright, 3B. Mets: Power numbers aside, Wright is still hitting .324 on the season and kicks off the second half against Derek Lowe, against whom he has a .500 career batting average.
• Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves: Oliver Perez hasn't exactly been a world-beater this season, and facing Jones won't help change that tide. Chipper is 11-for-26 (.423) lifetime against him.
• Ken Griffey Jr., OF, Mariners: With three home runs and a .357 batting average off Cliff Lee, it's time to get The Kid back in your lineup, at least for Thursday.
• Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies: He's hot, with a .378 batting average in July, and has hit .385 against Chris Volstad.
• Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins: Ramirez should come out of the second-half gate strong while facing Jamie Moyer. Han-Ram has four career homers and a .722 slugging percentage against the veteran.
• Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres: There's not much support in his lineup, but Gonzalez has had plenty of success against Aaron Cook on his own, including a .393 average and two career home runs.
• Miguel Tejada, SS, Astros: Tejada is a .308 hitter against Randy Wolf and is riding an eight-game hitting streak.
• Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers: Hitting .379 since his return from suspension, Manny didn't exactly need any extra time off. On Thursday, expect him to pick up right where he left off.
Pitchers' count:
• Alfonso Soriano, OF, Cubs: Hopefully the second half will be a better one for Soriano and his fantasy owners, but we don't like the matchup against the Nationals. He's batting only .208 against the current Washington staff.
• Victor Martinez, 1B, Indians: Martinez had to catch in the All-Star Game, so it was hardly a "break" for him. Rest him against Garrett Olson and the Mariners, since there's a good chance the Indians will.
• J.J. Hardy, SS, Brewers: His shoulder was hurting before the break, so we're a bit skeptical as to how well he'll perform in the first game back.
• Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds: The .170 batting average is sure to get better, but not necessarily right away. Encarnacion is only a .136 hitter against Braden Looper.
• Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies: No worries in the second half for Victorino, who is hitting .400 in July. However, in addition to the extra travel All-Stars must do, Shane comes back to face a pitcher he's only 2-for-13 against in Chris Volstad.
• Jason Giambi, 1B, Athletics: He already has missed three games in July, and is only 1-for-14 in his career against the Angels' scheduled starter, Ervin Santana.
• Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies: Helton has only a .125 batting average against Chad Gaudin.

If you're hardcore

• Gary Sheffield, OF, Mets: He's 8-for-17 against Derek Lowe with eight RBIs, and what's not to like about a .941 slugging percentage?
• Ryan Church, OF, Braves: A little revenge against the team that traded him away, perhaps? He was hitting .313 away from Citi Field in 2009 before being sent to Atlanta.
• Nyjer Morgan, OF, Nationals: He's hitting .302 since joining the Nationals, and went 3-for-4 against Rich Harden in their previous encounter.
• Ramon Hernandez, C, Reds: He's a Looper lover, with a .625 average, including a home run, against the Brewers' starter.
• Chris Coghlan, OF, Marlins: He has a .462 OBP against the Phillies so far this season. That's worth a roll of the dice, especially on a light day for games.
• Gary Matthews Jr., OF, Angels: He's going to see a lot more playing time with Hunter and Guerrero hurt, and he's 3-for-6 lifetime against Dallas Braden.
• Sam Fuld, OF, Cubs: Hey, if we don't like Alfonso Soriano and recommend benching him, we're kind of hoping Lou Piniella feels the same way.

Triage

Injury list: Out
• Eric Milton, P, Dodgers (15-day DL, back surgery)
• Geovany Soto, C, Cubs (15-day DL, oblique strain)
• Jay Bruce, OF, Reds (15-day DL, fractured wrist)
• Pedro Martinez, P, Phillies (15-day DL, shoulder): Pedro signed with Philadelphia, but will need to start a few games in the minors before he's going to be ready to actually face major league hitters again after the long layoff.
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays (infection): Longoria missed the All-Star Game because of an infection in his finger, but all signs point to his being able to return to the Rays' lineup Friday.
• Jonathan Broxton, P, Dodgers (toe): Another All-Star who couldn't go, Broxton's toe has an irritated nerve, and the pitcher has received a cortisone shot to help the healing process.
• Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox (foot): Currently rehabbing in the minors, Quentin could be back with the White Sox as soon as the team is willing to pull the trigger on his activation.
• Carlos Guillen, OF, Tigers (shoulder): Guillen, out since May 5, is probably still a week away from returning to the Tigers, and even then, he might be limited to DH duty.
• Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals (hip): Gordon is expected to rejoin the Royals on Friday, but it remains to be seen if he'll be thrust right back into the starting lineup or eased into the swing of things.
• Rick Ankiel, OF, Cardinals (shoulder): His shoulder is still "weak" after he crashed into the outfield wall back on May 4. The All-Star break probably did him some good, but if it continues to bother him, a trip to the DL might be in the offing.
Weather concerns

• There are no weatherproof games on Thursday's limited schedule.
• Five games in the states of Ohio and California all look to be in the clear for a dry start to the second half of the season. However, that's not the case for the games scheduled in Florida, Atlanta and Washington. All three of those games should expect some interruptions or delays of the thunderstorm variety.
 
BadCo

BadCo

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Carter, Flowers, Jennings, Gillies among notable prospects on display at Futures Game


Jason Grey and Keith Law break down some of the most exciting players from this year's Futures Game
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Futures Game: Fantasy vs. Reality
<!-- template inline -->Although he's better known for being involved in two high-profile deals involving major leaguers, Oakland Athletics first baseman Chris Carter eventually could earn more notoriety for his power bat.
After the White Sox drafted Carter in the 15th round in 2005, he was dealt to the Diamondbacks in the Carlos Quentin deal in December 2007, then packaged with other prospects and sent to Oakland in the trade that sent Dan Haren to the desert later that month.
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<cite>Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>Chis Carter's bat, not his glove, will get him to the majors in due time.


Carter mashed 39 homers at high Class A last season and has followed that performance with a .303 average, 13 homers and a .505 slugging percentage in the Double-A Texas League this season. He racks up more than his fair share of strikeouts (90 in 84 games this season), but it's acceptable as part of his package of power and patience. He has a good eye at the plate, will crush fastballs and mistake pitches with a fluid swing and has the strength to hit the ball out of all parks. He also has shown the aptitude to make adjustments.
One such adjustment has been becoming a little bit less pull-happy as a hitter. Carter's previous M.O. was just to swing hard and try to jerk one down the line all the time. He has become more conscious of going up the middle this season, and it has been evident in his swing.
"I'm definitely thinking more about going to all parts of the field, and that's when things started picking up for me this season," said Carter, who hit one home run during the first month of the season. "I'm a little more focused on just hitting the ball where it's pitched. I also think that my strike zone discipline is better this year. I know I'm going to have my strikeouts, but it's been about mentally being ready, staying focused and not giving away at-bats."
Carter's power will have to carry him. He's ideally suited as a designated hitter because he's a below-average defender at first base and lacks good hands. Still, if he can continue to demonstrate an ability to handle quality breaking balls as he advances, he has a chance to be a prototypical middle-of-the-order power hitter always in demand among fantasy owners. Carter went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout on Sunday.
• Arguably the most impressive hitter at last year's Arizona Fall League in a league with quite a few of them, White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers was another player at the Futures Game with big-time power potential. He continues to swing a hot bat at Double-A after the South Siders acquired him in the offseason trade that sent Javier Vazquez to Atlanta.
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<cite>Jamie Squire/Getty Images</cite>Tyler Flowers went 1-for-2 in the Futures Game.


Flowers is hitting .302 with a .445 on-base percentage and 13 homers this season as his OPS flirts with the 1.000 mark. A big 6-foot-4, 245-pound specimen, Flowers is not a free swinger, and he shows good patience in waiting for pitches he can drive thanks to a good pitch recognition. He still occasionally struggles with off-speed stuff away, as his front hip has a tendency to leak out in his swing.
"It's a timing issue," Flowers said. "I do need to make sure I always see the ball before I got and commit to a swing, because I do get in the habit of cheating a bit, especially against pitchers that throw harder."
When I first started watching him, I thought he was a bit stiff and his swing was a bit too long, but then he really started putting good, consistent swings on the ball. He can put up a good batting average to go with his pop.
Always known as an offense-first catcher who has seen time at first base, Flowers continues to make small strides in improving his defense behind the dish, but he still has work to do. He has soft hands and has earned praise from pitchers for his game-calling abilities, but he struggles with his footwork and his throwing needs to be more consistent. It's possible he could stay there over the long haul, and the White Sox think he can. That obviously would be the more desired outcome for his fantasy owners, who always are looking for power-hitting catchers. Regardless, his bat will play if he has to move to first.
On Sunday, Flowers went 1-for-2 with a strikeout.
With fantasy players always on the lookout for potential speed merchants, the Futures Game had a few burners who are worth mentioning.
• The Rays' Desmond Jennings stole three bases during the game, and I profiled him a little more extensively here last month.
<!-- INLINE MODULE -->



<!-- END INLINE MODULE -->• Luis Durango, 23, is a rail-thin, 5-9 outfielder in the Padres system who has posted a .397 on-base percentage and stolen 28 bases at Double-A this year. He has drawn more walks than strikeouts during the past two seasons in the minors, which is good because he's absolutely devoid of power. He's a slap hitter with a contact-oriented approach who tries to get on base by any means necessary so he can use his wheels, and he has won two batting titles at the lower levels of the minors. However, big league pitchers may wind up knocking the bat out of his hands, and his base-stealing ability isn't that great despite his speed, as he has been caught 15 times in 43 attempts this season. He looks like a 25th-man type who can be used as speed off the bench, but he doesn't hit well enough to be regular, so fantasy owners probably don't need to plan to grab him any time soon.
• Tyson Gillies, a 20-year-old outfielder at high Class A in the Mariners organization, has true 80 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale, which was in evidence at the Futures Game. During one sequence, the Canadian bunted his way on base in a play where the U.S. team had no chance of catching him, beat a sure pickoff play by pitcher Brian Matusz to steal second, then stole third soon after. He finally scored on a double-play ball.
Gillies is hitting .327 in the hitting-friendly environment at High Desert with a .435 on-base percentage and 23 steals. He's still learning the ropes as far as reading pitchers and getting good jumps, and he is swiping bags purely on raw speed. However, fantasy owners need to monitor him because of his range in the outfield and his above-average arm, which allows him to play all three outfield positions. He can use his line-drive stroke to hit for enough average at the higher levels to take advantage of his fleet feet. Even if he winds up as a fourth outfielder, his speed tool will be an asset in fantasy play.
Jason Grey is a graduate of the MLB Scouting Bureau's Scout Development Program and has won two Tout Wars titles, one LABR title and numerous other national "experts" competitions.
 
MarksMoneymakers

MarksMoneymakers

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BadCo said:
<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rk </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 30px;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Name </th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> T </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 35px;"><center> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> K/9 </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPSA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> OPS </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> CT% </center></th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wandy Rodriguez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .707 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @LAD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .766 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.0% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dallas Braden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .673 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> LAA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .787 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cliff Lee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .720 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> SEA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .720 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Derek Lowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .732 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> NYM </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .735 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Wolf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .700 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> HOU </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .735 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Volstad </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .746 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> PHI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .793 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Cook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .766 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .681 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Lannan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.02 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .774 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .721 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Garrett Olson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .747 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CLE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .765 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Gaudin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .692 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> COL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .779 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamie Moyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .895 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @FLA </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Homer Bailey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .607 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .760 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rich Harden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .848 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @WAS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .753 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.6% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Braden Looper </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .822 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @CIN </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .709 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Oliver Perez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8.78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .915 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .728 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">
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</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ervin Santana </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.011 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @OAK </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .687 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.4% </td></tr> </tbody></table>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. W-L: Pitcher's win-loss record. ERA: Pitcher's earned run average. WHIP: Pitcher's average number of walks plus hits surrendered per inning. K/9: Pitcher's average number of strikeouts per nine innings. OPSA: Pitcher's on-base plus slugging percentage surrendered to opponents. OPS: Pitcher's opponent's composite team on-base plus slugging percentage. CT%: Pitcher's opponent's success rate putting the ball in play (versus striking out).
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great info, where did you find it?
 
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