Starting pitcher rankings for July 26, 2009

Starting pitcher rankings for July 26, 2009

<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"> </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"> 6-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .709 </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"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 6-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .798 </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"> .708 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.4% </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Blanton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .770 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> STL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .734 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .723 </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"> .762 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Millwood </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .726 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .708 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 80.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Max Scherzer </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"> 3.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .745 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> PIT </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .722 </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"> </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"> 4-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .702 </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"> .743 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.9% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Moehler </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .841 </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"> .720 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 83.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 9-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .772 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .690 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 7-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .753 </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"> .673 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Smoltz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .825 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> BAL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .749 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Livan Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .834 </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"> 83.0% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 7-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .749 </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"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 3-5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .932 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> MIN </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"> 80.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sergio Mitre </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"> 4.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6.35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .735 </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"> .698 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.0% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rick Porcello </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .808 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> CHW </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .757 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.1% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeff Niemann </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .715 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @TOR </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .768 </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"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 7-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .691 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @NYY </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .826 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.5% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Schmidt </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"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .812 </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"> .721 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Todd Wellemeyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .877 </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"> 79.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Micah Owings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .821 </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"> .723 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 78.4% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Virgil Vasquez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .903 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @ARI </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .733 </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"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brett Cecil </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .894 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .797 </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"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anthony Swarzak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .696 </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"> .791 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 81.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Sadowski </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .686 </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"> .781 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.3% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Clayton Richard </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .801 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @DET </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .745 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.8% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .761 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> @BOS </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .784 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 79.2% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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"> 9-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .811 </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"> .741 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 82.1% </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sidney Ponson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7.63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> .862 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> TEX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> .768 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 76.7% </td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> TBD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> XXX </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </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"> .757 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 77.6% </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).

Selected notes for Sunday: Three starts into July and Joe Blanton has yet to allow more than an earned run in any start. He's gone at least seven innings each time, and is still maintaining his surprising strikeout rate, fanning at least five in each of those three starts. Backed by an offense buoyed by the return of Raul Ibanez, he's won two of his past three outings; blessed with another favorable matchup -- the middling Cardinals offense, although it just added Matt Holliday -- he's our favorite spot starter of the day. … You look at Kevin Millwood's 82-to-45 strikeout-to-walk ratio and you think, he has to implode sooner or later. But just when it looked like he would, he manages to gut out another quality start versus the Red Sox, and after a brief respite comes up with the Royals next on the schedule. Even mediocre pitchers have success against the Royals, and Millwood received some extra luck with Jose Guillen -- who is 14-for-32 against Millwood lifetime -- landing on the DL. A number of owners already bailed on Millwood, so check to see whether he's available in your league and squeeze another start out of him if you can. … One of our favorite things to exploit is an inconsistent but high-strikeout pitcher in a favorable matchup. More times than not they'll net a quality start or better, with the chance at a lot of strikeouts offsetting the risk. Enter Chad Gaudin, who draws the Nationals, a team largely devoid of power. Gaudin has struck out at least seven batters in five of his past seven starts, allowing three runs or fewer each time; he may be the shot in the arm your team needs to regain some ground in strikeouts. … The streak is up to seven; that is, seven consecutive starts that Brian Moehler has allowed three runs or fewer. It's ugly at times, but he's getting the job done, and with an opportunity to face a decimated Mets lineup, that streak should reach eight. … Chris Volstad has rebounded nicely from his uneven June, but he should still be avoided against the elite offenses in the league, which the Dodgers have rejoined thanks to the return of Manny Ramirez. Their .830 OPS ranks second in the NL, and Volstad was roughed up earlier in the year by the same offense minus Manny. … It looks like Rick Porcello could be running out of gas -- or the league is just catching up to him -- as he's yet to reach the seventh inning in five consecutive starts, and he's now allowed 14 earned runs in his past 13 1/3 innings. With middling peripherals -- he hasn't struck out five batters since May 16 -- and a mediocre offense, it's definitely time to cut bait.





Now batting (Sunday)

Hitters' count:

• Pat Burrell, OF, Rays: Although he's continued to struggle to make contact, Burrell has improved in the power department in July, as nine of his 14 hits have gone for extra bases, including three homers. And as far as contact goes, right-handers are hitting .336 off Brett Cecil.
• Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies: Utley's been quiet since the break, but a tasty matchup versus Todd Wellemeyer should be the jump start he needs. Lefties have simply tattooed Wellemeyer, to the tune of 11 home runs in 206 at-bats and a .340 BA/.416 OBP/.587 SLG triple-slash line. Utley has previously been one of the many beneficiaries of Wellemeyer's poor pitching, too, with four hits in eight at-bats lifetime, two of which have left the park.
• Joe Mauer, C, Twins: He had to cool off sometime, but with how hard he was hitting the ball, it still is surprising that Mauer is slugging only .339 in July. Ervin Santana may be determined to change that, though; not only has Mauer roped four doubles in 13 at-bats against Santana, amassing seven hits in all, but lefties are also hitting a whopping .352 against him.
• Jose Lopez, 2B, Mariners: Another lefty, another recommendation, as Lopez has knocked Cliff Lee around, too, with eight hits in 22 at-bats, including a round-tripper.
• Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers: Batters swinging from the left side slug .517 versus Chris Volstad. That's right up Ethier's alley, since 15 of his 20 dingers have come against right-handers, and he's been even more beastly at home, where he's slugging .642 in 173 at-bats.
• Miguel Montero, C, Diamondbacks: Montero is swinging a bat as blistering as the Arizona heat, hitting .365 and slugging .698 in 63 at-bats this month, going yard five times. That's bad news for Virgil Vasquez; he's had only 90 plate appearances versus left-handed batters in his career, but a .367 average against suggests his problems run deeper than a small sample size.

Pitchers' count:

• Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees: Damon may be currently sporting a six-game hitting streak, but a matchup versus Dallas Braden would be a quick way to end it, as the A's lefty has mowed down left-handers this season, limiting them to a .174 average in 121 at-bats.
• Mike Cameron, OF, Brewers: With nearly twice as many strikeouts (11) as base hits (six), it's safe to say Derek Lowe has dominated Cameron in their 33 at-bats. Overall, Cameron's batting just .182, as the all-or-nothing hitter has been limited to "nothing" in his matchups against Lowe.
• Alex Gordon, 3B, Royals: Gordon is still waiting for his first multihit game this season, and chances are that Kevin Millwood will keep him waiting. Gordon has garnered only three hits in 14 at-bats versus Millwood, with more whiffs (five) than hits and walks combined (four).
• Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners: Take away 60 points of batting average from Ichiro, and you'd get something like his line against Cliff Lee: .278/.333/.389 in 36 at-bats. Lee's improvement in the past two seasons is reflected in the matchup, too, as Ichiro has just one hit in his last 11 at-bats. Improvement will be hard to come by, since Lee is holding left-handed hitters to a .520 OPS this season.
• Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers: If you don't sit Granderson against any and all left-handers, you're doing something wrong, as he can't even clear the Mendoza line. That plays into left-hander Clayton Richard's hands, as lefties hit .212 against him; no surprise, then, that Granderson is hitless in his four at-bats versus Richard.
• Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds: Instead of facing Kevin Hart, Encarnacion draws Rich Harden on Sunday, a serious upgrade. Not only is Encarnacion hitless in four at-bats versus Harden, but he's gone done in the most ignominious of ways each time -- via strikeout.
• Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds: Phillips has also remained hitless against Harden in six at-bats, although at least he's only fanned twice.

If you're hardcore

• Garret Anderson, OF, Braves: Left-handers routinely mash Braden Looper, so it's not surprising that Anderson is 2-for-4 with a home run against Looper. Lefties slug .531 off the soft-tossing righty, hitting a home run every 14.7 at-bats. Anderson, who is hitting a scorching .445 with two homers since the break, is a good bet to join the club.
• Geoff Blum, 3B, Astros: Blum is quietly putting together a solid month, batting .321 in 56 at-bats, chipping in three homers as well. He's had some prior success against Livan Hernandez, going 7-for-24 (.292) with a homer, and Lance Berkman's injury gives him a more prominent position in the lineup, batting fifth, sandwiched between Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence.
• John Buck, C, Royals: After Miguel Olivo went off while Buck was on the disabled list, Buck is the clear No. 2 catcher in Kansas City now. But he is 7-for-15 versus Kevin Millwood, and manager Trey Hillman would do well to give Buck a couple of starts a week to prevent Olivo from wearing down. It's a roll of the dice, however.
• David Murphy, OF, Rangers: Murphy has three multihit games in his past four starts, and a great way to keep swinging a hot bat is to step into the batter's box against Sidney Ponson, especially if you're a lefty: They hit .373 off him.
• Chris Iannetta, C, Rockies: Despite playing at home in 11 of his 13 games this month, Iannetta hasn't done much, hitting .233 with just two extra-base hits in 43 at-bats this month. However, he's 3-for-7 his past two games, even launching a home run, and he's still hitting .297 at home, versus .171 on the road. After Sunday, the Rockies go on the road until Aug. 7, so it may be the last productive game you can squeeze out of him for a while.

Triage

Injury list: Out

• Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros (15-day DL, calf): Berkman was scheduled to return Friday, but the Astros decided to play it safe and place him on the disabled list to ensure Berkman's health for the stretch run.
• Jason Giambi, 1B, Athletics (15-day DL, quad)
• Jose Guillen, OF, Royals (15-day DL, knee): Talk about freak injuries -- Guillen tore a ligament in his knee while putting on his shin guard. MLB.com reports that he is expected to be out six to eight weeks.
• Ted Lilly, SP, Cubs (shoulder/knee): Lilly is expected to be placed on the disabled list and will miss his next start. It's not yet known whether it's his sore knee or shoulder that is bothering him.

Injury list: Day-to-day

• Joe Crede, 3B, Twins (shoulder; doubtful)
• Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Mariners (knee/elbow): Gutierrez ended up missing Thursday's contest, as he's still suffering the effects of crashing into the outfield wall Tuesday night. Consider him questionable for the weekend.
• Felipe Lopez, 2B, Brewers (hamstring; available to pinch-hit)
• Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers (hand; probable)
• Edgar Renteria, SS, Giants (elbow): Manager Bruce Bochy said Renteria "should" play Friday, so consider him good to go for the weekend.
• Juan Rivera, OF, Angels (leg; available to pinch-hit)
• Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants (forearm): Rowand missed his third straight game Thursday but is a good bet to play on Friday, according to Bochy.
• Gary Sheffield, OF, Mets (hamstring)

Weather concerns

• Five cities play in domes, so you need not worry about the weather there: Toronto, Seattle, Milwaukee, Houston and Arizona.
• Expect to see scattered storms in Denver and Detroit all weekend long, with up to a 40 percent chance in Denver and up to a 50 percent chance in Detroit.

Gaudin dropped to 4-8 on the year when he allowed four runs (one earned) over five innings against the Rockies on Thursday.

Gaudin allowed just four hits, walked four and fanned eight. His walk rate is a problem, but with 93 strikeouts over 87.1 innings this season



Lannan tossed a seven-hit shutout against the Mets on Tuesday. He walked none and struck out one.
No, you did not misread and it is not a misprint. He pitched a shutout and struck out one. Lannan does not miss bats, but his ratios are serviceable. He has eight quality starts in his last nine outings.

Niemann pitched a brilliant game on Tuesday night, allowing only two runs over eight innings against the White Sox.
His record now stands at 9-4 with a 3.61 ERA. One of the keys to his success has been limiting the long ball, as he has not allowed a home run in his last 54 innings pitched.



Cecil has now thrown 13 scoreless innings over two starts following a seven-run shellacking vs. the Yankees on July 5. While the rookie lefty was roughed up to the tune of 15 combined earned runs over two outings in New York and in Boston, he holds a 2.49 ERA in his other seven starts.

A nice outing by Wellemeyer, but let's be honest – the Giants aren't one of the game's better offenses, and the Cardinals right-hander isn't one of the NL's most consistent starters. Before Thursday, his last quality start came way back on May 22, which provides just a glimpse of what life would be like relying on Wellemeyer from start to start.




Blanton had one of his better outings, holding the Cubs to one run in seven innings in Tuesday's win.
Blanton may have enjoyed his 11 days of rest, but he has allowed just two runs in his last 21 innings over three starts, all at home. He did not figure in the decision on Tuesday.


Blanton's best efforts were matched by opposing starter Rich Harden, who also surrendered only one run over sever frames. Win or loss, though, Blanton continues to turn in quality start after quality start, shaking off a brutal April. An 0.83 ERA over his last three starts (2 ER allowed) gives him plenty of momentum heading into his next start against Todd Wellemeyer and the Cardinals.

Hernandez has done a fine job filling in for the injured Koji Uehara. Monday marked his third straight quality start, during which time the rookie right-hander boasts a 2.89 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Considering his strong Minor League track record and impressive pitching of late, Hernandez could very well stick around in the Majors even after Uehara returns. His next start is scheduled for July 26 in Boston against John Smoltz.



: Smoltz gave up three homers in a decisive sixth inning on Monday night, just the second time in his career that he's allowed three homers in an inning.
Smoltz entered the inning with a 2-1 lead and had a lot of life on his fastball. It appears as if he just lost some steam.

Lowe picked up his ninth win of the season by holding the Giants to just one run over six innings Tuesday.
Lowe allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out four. That's three straight quality starts, so maybe he's ready to turn it around. His 67:41 K:BB ratio over 124.2 innings this year has been a huge disappointment.




Looper won his ninth game by throwing seven shutout innings against the Pirates on Tuesday.
Looper is decent when he keeps the ball in the park and the Pirates don't have prolific home run hitters. He held the Pirates to four hits and three walks but struck out just one.


This was Looper's fourth straight win and his fifth quality start in as many outings. Looper hasn't been spectacular, as evidenced by his 4.64 ERA and 64/39 K/BB ratio for the season.

Millwood allowed two runs over six innings against the Red Sox on Monday night to pick up the win.
Millwood's defense picked him up early, with Ian Kinsler throwing out a runner at the plate with the Rangers already trailing 2-0. This was a nice bounceback outing for Millwood, who had allowed 17 runs in his previous 17.1 innings before the All-Star break

Kevin Millwood, David Murphy, Willie Eyre, and Eddie Guardado are all recovering after a recent bout with the flu.

A serious situation considering that Vicente Padilla was diagnosed with swine flu earlier Friday, as the Rangers are awaiting results to determine if any of their other players have come down with this particular strain. As for their recovering players, Millwood is expected to make his next start on July 26; Guardado and Eyre have returned to the team and should be available to pitch on Friday out of the 'pen; Murphy said he is feeling better but should be limited to designated hitting duties for the next few days.

Livan Hernandez held the Nationals to two earned runs over seven innings of five-hit ball en route to his sixth win.

And so ends a four-game losing streak for Hernandez, who compensated for shaky control by inducing 13 ground outs against six fly outs. It's a step in the right direction, but not enough to begin starting Hernandez on a semi-regular basis.




Brian Moehler picked up his seventh win on Monday by holding St. Louis to two runs on six hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five. Moehler is not the biggest name in fantasy by a long shot, but he has been downright brilliant in his four July starts despite his vanishingly small profile.
In four July starts, Moehler has posted a 3-1 record with a 2.16 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 25 innings. Yes, those starts have come against the Padres, Pirates, Nationals and now the Cardinals, but NL-only owners shouldn't hesitate to use B-Moehl if the matchup is right. His July 26 start at home against the punchless Mets seems like a pretty solid spot start.

In his first outing in 10 days, Owings was hit hard, giving up seven runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings in Monday's loss to the Dodgers.
For the second start in a row, the Reds staked Owings to an early lead, to no avail. Owings gave up two more homers, to Manny Ramirez and Andre Ethier.

That makes two straight starts in which Owings has been tagged for seven earned, a turn of events that has sent his ERA skyrocketing from 4.48 to 5.33. Off nights happen to everyone, but Owings has always been an iffy proposition outside of the deepest NL-only leagues, and his 1.62 WHIP and 59/50 K/BB ratio in 99 1/3 innings aren't terribly inspiring indicators that he's about to turn things around. His next start is on July 26, at Wrigley Field.





Rich Harden has been the Cubs' best pitcher since the All-Star break, and he will close the three-game series against the Reds on Sunday. But it'll be a day game. That hasn't been good for Harden, who is 1-5 with a 7.38 ERA during the day this season. It's also a home game. He's 2-5 with a 7.59 ERA at Wrigley Field. Compare those numbers to his road stats: Harden is 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA away from Wrigley, and 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA at night.

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="right"> Yankee Stadium | 1:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Dallas Braden, LHP (7-8, 3.40)
Athletics (41-55) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Sergio Mitre, RHP (1-0, 4.76)
Yankees (59-38) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Athletics: Braden bounced back from a rough July 16 showing against the Halos (six earned on 10 hits in five innings) by tossing seven innings of two-run ball against Minnesota on Tuesday. He allowed five hits and walked four. Braden has never faced the Yankees. He's 2-4 with a 3.42 ERA in nine road starts this season. Yankees: Mitre gave the Yankees exactly what they needed out of the fifth starter spot on Tuesday. Making his first appearance in the Majors since September 2007, the right-hander allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings and picked up the victory against the Orioles. Manager Joe Girardi has given Mitre a vote of confidence and said Mitre will remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Rogers Centre | 1:07 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Niemann, RHP (9-4, 3.61)
Rays (54-44) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brett Cecil, LHP (3-1, 4.67)
Blue Jays (47-51) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rays: The 6-foot-9, 280-pound Niemann dazzled once again in a 3-2 victory against the White Sox on Tuesday. He lasted eight innings, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out seven and walking none and kept his team in the ballgame long enough for the Rays to come back in the ninth inning. Rays manager Joe Maddon said that, including Tuesday's performance, the three best games thrown by a Rays pitcher this year all belonged to Niemann, who also has tossed two complete-game shutouts. Niemann won his fifth straight decision dating back to June 3 and has allowed three runs or fewer in his last five starts. With the victory, Niemann's ninth this season, he tied for the most among American League rookies with Detroit's Rick Porcello. Niemann faced the Blue Jays once, on June 29, and earned a victory by allowing one run on four hits in 7 1/3 innings pitched.Blue Jays: Cecil managed to pitch his way out of several jams as he posted his second consecutive shutout on Tuesday, going seven innings against the Indians at Rogers Centre. He has now gone 13 innings without giving up a run. The rookie earned his fifth no-decision in six starts in a game the Jays eventually lost, 2-1. Although Cecil did not allow any runs, he did have a lot of baserunners to deal with, as the lefty gave up seven hits, issued four walks and hit a batter. Cecil's nine strikeouts were a season high, as were his 108 pitches -- 67 of which were strikes. He has made one appearance against the Rays this season, pitching 2/3 of an inning out of the bullpen and allowing one hit.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Fenway Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Hernandez, RHP (2-2, 3.55)
Orioles (41-55) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Smoltz, RHP (1-3, 6.31)
Red Sox (57-39) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Hernandez survived a rocky first two innings in his last start, a beginning that saw him throw 58 pitches and face 11 batters. But then he turned it around through the sixth, facing just 13 more batters and throwing 45 more pitches. The rookie left a 1-1 game against the Yankees and lauded himself after the game for facing the pressure and finding a way to overcome it on the road.Red Sox: The right-hander is thoroughly frustrated with the start to his season, because he believes the results aren't indicative of the way he's thrown the ball. The problem for Smoltz has typically been one bad inning, typically punctuated by a string of two-out hits. In his last outing, he had a 2-1 lead after five, only to give up three homers in the sixth. In that loss to the Rangers, Smoltz gave up nine hits and six runs over 5 2/3 innings. This is the second time he's faced the Orioles this season. In the first one, he allowed three hits and one run but his start was limited to four innings because of a lengthy rain delay.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Nationals Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chad Gaudin, RHP (4-9, 4.82)
Padres (38-60) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> John Lannan, LHP (7-7, 3.38)
Nationals (29-68) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Padres: Chad Gaudin was his own worst critic after his last start, a 3-2 loss to the Marlins at PETCO Park. "I didn't have great stuff," he said. "I was average." He allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings for a quality start, an outing of six innings with three or fewer earned runs. Gaudin struck out three and walked only two, controlling what had been his Achilles' heel. Padres manager Bud Black said Gaudin "hung in there," avoiding stressful situations effectively and working his way out of several jams.Nationals: Call Lannan the stopper. On Tuesday night, he helped the Nationals break their six-game losing streak by pitching a complete-game shutout in a 4-0 victory over the Mets at Nationals Park. Lannan joined Pedro Astacio (Aug. 15, 2006) and John Patterson (Aug. 4, 2005) as the only Nationals hurlers to hold opponents scoreless in a complete-game win. It was Lannan's second complete game of the season. The first one also came against the Mets on June 6 at Nationals Park.
</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Citizens Bank Park | 1:35 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Todd Wellemeyer, RHP (7-8, 5.68)
Cardinals (53-47) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joe Blanton, RHP (6-4, 4.24)
Phillies (55-40) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cardinals: Wellemeyer, manager Tony La Russa and catcher Jason LaRue all said they saw plenty to like in Wellemeyer's last start, but the fact is that the results didn't change. He has a 6.64 ERA over his past eight starts, and that's a problem for a team in a pennant race. The Cards have little faith in any of the potential replacements, a list that includes Mitchell Boggs, Brad Thompson and P.J. Walters, so Wellemeyer still appears safe. But at some point he needs to get sorted out or they will have to look elsewhere. Phillies: Blanton is on a roll. He allowed just five hits and one run in seven innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He walked none and struck out five. Blanton started the season 2-3 with a 7.11 ERA in his first eight starts, but is 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA (17 earned runs in 63 innings) in 10 starts since May 21. "It's a little more quality pitches, maybe," Blanton said. "Maybe my changeup has come around lately. My sinker is down instead of flat and over the plate, and that always helps. Other than that, I'm just trying to pitch."


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Miller Park | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Derek Lowe, RHP (9-7, 4.26)
Braves (50-48) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Braden Looper, RHP (9-4, 4.64)
Brewers (49-48) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Braves: Lowe continues to rebound from his rough stretch in June, as he beat the Giants with a strong effort on Tuesday. Lowe went six innings and allowed a run on seven hits before leaving with a seven-run lead. Since losing four straight decisions from June 14-July 5, Lowe has won his last two. His last start against the Brewers came on August 16 of last season, when he was pitching for the Dodgers. In that outing, he went eight innings and allowed just one run. He is 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA against the Dodgers in his six career starts against them.Brewers: Looper had one of his best outings of the season in his last start. The right-hander threw seven shutout innings against the Pirates and gave up only four hits. It was his longest outing since he lasted the same amount of frames against the Reds on May 29. Manager Ken Macha said Looper was able to throw the ball downhill, adding the key for the pitcher is to stand tall.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Minute Maid Park | 2:05 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Livan Hernandez, RHP (6-5, 4.93)
Mets (45-51) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brian Moehler, RHP (7-5, 4.92)
Astros (50-47) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Mets: Hernandez had struggled mightily going into his last start, as he had lost four straight including two outings that combined 15 runs in just seven innings. But at Nationals Park, Livan beat his former team for the third time in as many tries this season. Hernandez was staked to a 5-0 advantage after two innings and cruised for seven frames giving up five hits and a pair of runs. The savvy veteran said he took everything he did from his previous start against Washington and did the opposite in order to throw off hitters.Astros: In his first start after the All-Star break, Moehler turned in a quality outing against St. Louis, tossing 6 1/3 innings giving up two runs on six hits and striking out five. He retired 10 of the first 12 batters he faced and threw 100 pitches against the Cardinals before being taken down in the seventh. Moehler hasn't faced the Mets this season. In his only game against the Mets last year, he allowed four runs on six hits and struck out four over 5 1/3 innings.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Kauffman Stadium | 2:10 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Kevin Millwood, RHP (9-7, 3.44)
Rangers (53-42) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Sidney Ponson, RHP (1-6, 7.63)
Royals (38-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rangers: Millwood earned the win after pitching six innings and allowing two earned runs to the Red Sox on Monday. He has now won six consecutive decisions at home. It was his team-leading 13th quality start of the season. He has thrown at least six innings in 18 of his 20 starts this season. On the road this season, he is 2-6 with a 4.55 ERA over 61 1/3 innings pitched. In 12 career starts against the Royals, Millwood is 6-4 with a 4.34 ERA over 76 2/3 innings. That includes two complete games, one of which was a complete-game loss against the Royals this season in which Millwood allowed just two runs and five hits.Royals: Back from the disabled list, Ponson worked five-plus innings last Tuesday against the Angels and was massaged for six runs. Except for a home run, he wasn't hit all that hard but a flood of seven singles kept him in hot water. Ponson ran up a lot of pitches in a short time, 98, although he walked just two. This was his first outing since a six-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha in which he posted an impressive 2.18 ERA in 33 innings. He'd been out with a right elbow strain.


</td></tr> </tbody></table>
<table bgcolor="#e6e6e6" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="581"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#cacaca"> </td></tr> <tr><td height="20"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td align="left"></td> <td align="right"> Wrigley Field | 2:20 PM ET </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Micah Owings, RHP (6-10, 5.33)
Reds (44-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Rich Harden, RHP (6-6, 4.76)
Cubs (50-45) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Reds: For the second-straight start, Owings gave up seven runs. This time he did it over five innings during a 7-5 loss to the Dodgers. He also walked two and struck out two. Owings was given a 3-0 first inning but immediately gave up four in the bottom of the first after he allowed hits to five of his first six batters. Trying to let his defense do the work by throwing strikes and putting the ball in play, Owings left too many good pitches to hit in the strike zone.Cubs: Harden is 4-1 on the road and 5-1 at night, so the Cubs will try to keep him on schedule to pitch late and in the road grays. Because they can't wait for the next road trip, Harden was pushed back for Monday's game because it's a night game. He is coming off a no-decision against the Phillies in his last start when, once again, he didn't get any run support. Harden gave up one run on four hits over seven innings and struck out six. He also threw a season-high 116 pitches, and said his legs felt strong.
</td></tr></tbody></table>

awesome ...do u mind if i ask where do u get that much info...thanks these are very helpfull facts and stats..

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers.jsp?ymd=20090726#OAK@NYY



http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/fantasy/wsfb/news/index.jsp?action=search&name=Rich+Harden++

Afternoon not a delight for Harden

Chicago (50-45) vs. Cincinnati (44-52), 1:20 p.m. CT

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Harden's strong start
Duration: 00:00:42
07.21.09: Rich Harden limits the Phillies to one run on four hits in seven innings, striking out six
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By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
07/25/09 5:25 PM ET
CHICAGO -- Rich Harden has been the Cubs' best pitcher since the All-Star break, and he will close the three-game series against the Reds on Sunday.
But it'll be a day game. That hasn't been good for Harden, who is 1-5 with a 7.38 ERA during the day this season. It's also a home game. He's 2-5 with a 7.59 ERA at Wrigley Field. Compare those numbers to his road stats: Harden is 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA away from Wrigley, and 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA at night.
If you were the Cubs, wouldn't you tweak the rotation so Harden only pitched at night on the road? They've tried. Harden actually was in line to start Monday night against the Astros, thinking one out of two isn't bad. But because Ted Lilly had to go on the disabled list Saturday, Harden was moved up.
Lou Piniella made it clear that Harden has not made a special request for time or preferred location. In fact, the subject has never come up, Piniella said.
"He never has mentioned it," Piniella said. "He never has talked to me about pitching him at night or day. He's available whenever we ask him.
"We just noticed he pitches better at night, and my job is to utilize his talents accordingly," Piniella said. "We just don't have a choice now."
The difference in Harden's stats are a new phenomenon. Last year, he was 5-0 with a 1.79 ERA in home games, and in his career, he is 21-9 with a 2.81 ERA. He was 5-2 with a 2.50 ERA on the road last season, and is 20-11 with a 3.75 ERA in his career in the road grays.
"I've got to use my pitcher's talents as well as possible," Piniella said. "If a guy is pitching better at home and not as good on the road, I have to schedule him at home as much as possible. If a guy is pitching better at night than daytime, it's my job to schedule him at night. That's what we try to do."
Whatever works. Since the All-Star break, Harden is 1-0 with an 0.69 ERA in two games, giving up two runs, one earned, on seven hits over 13 innings and striking out 13 in that stretch. As long as he keeps up that pace, the Cubs will be happy.
<!--CHANGE c_id for team-specific probables page--> Pitching matchup
CHC: RHP Rich Harden (6-6, 4.76 ERA)
Harden is coming off a no-decision against the Phillies in his last start, when, once again, he didn't get any run support. Harden gave up one run on four hits over seven innings and struck out six. He also threw a season-high 116 pitches, and said his legs felt strong.
CIN: RHP Micah Owings (6-10, 5.33 ERA)
For the second successive start, Owings gave up seven runs. This time, he did it over five innings during a 7-5 loss to the Dodgers. He also walked two and struck out two. Owings was given a 3-0 first-inning lead, but he immediately gave up four in the bottom of the first after he allowed hits to five of his first six batters. Trying to let his defense do the work by throwing strikes and putting the ball in play, Owings left too many good pitches to hit in the strike zone.
Tidbits
Lefty reliever B.J. Ryan, who has three 30-plus save seasons in the big leagues, was to report to Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Ryan, whom the Cubs signed after he was released by the Blue Jays, was working out in Mesa, Ariz., with Minor League pitching coordinator Mark Riggins. ... Infielder Aaron Miles (hyperextended right elbow) was progressing at Iowa. ... Catcher Geovany Soto was to begin taking batting practice this weekend. He's been on the disabled list since July 7 because of a left oblique strain. If all goes well, Soto could return the first week of August. ... The Cubs have discussed having Jake Fox start at catcher to give Koyie Hill a breather, but Piniella wanted Hill behind the plate against the Phillies and Reds, who both run well. ... Milton Bradley, who delivered a pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning Saturday, was expected back in the starting lineup Sunday. ... Mitch Atkins gave up five runs on eight hits over three innings in Iowa's 16-8 loss to Albuquerque. Bobby Scales had three hits and a walk, plus two two-out RBIs. Sam Fuld and Jason Dubois both homered. Infielder Nate Spears had to pitch one inning in relief. ... Jay Jackson gave up five runs, four earned, on five hits over 2 2/3 innings in Tennessee's 10-0 loss to Mississippi. ... Josh Vitters had his second successive multihit game as Peoria beat Lansing, 7-6. ... Logan Watkins' hitting streak ended at 15 games in Boise's 5-1 loss to Eugene.

It would be a boost to the Cardinals if they can receive a solid performance from Wellemeyer. He has struggled through much of the season, including his previous start at Houston last Tuesday. In that game, Wellemeyer allowed four earned runs (five total) in 4 1/3 innings.
This will be Wellemeyer's 20th start of the season and his 21st appearance. A strong outing would certainly give a much-needed break to the Cardinals bullpen.
At the back end of the bullpen, closer Ryan Franklin has been sensational. He has 22 saves in 24 opportunities and ranks second among Major League relievers with a 1.25 ERA.
"He has had some quick innings," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said.
<!--CHANGE c_id for team-specific probables page--> Pitching matchup
STL: RHP Todd Wellemeyer (7-8, 5.68 ERA)
Wellemeyer, La Russa and catcher Jason LaRue all said they saw plenty to like in Wellemeyer's last start, but the fact is that the results didn't change. He has a 6.64 ERA over his past eight starts, and that's a problem for a team in a pennant race. The Cards have little faith in any of the potential replacements, a list that includes Mitchell Boggs, Brad Thompson and P.J. Walters, so Wellemeyer still appears safe. But at some point he needs to get sorted out or they will have to look elsewhere.
PHI: RHP Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.24 ERA)
Blanton is on a roll. He allowed just five hits and one run in seven innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He walked none and struck out five. Blanton started the season 2-3 with a 7.11 ERA in his first eight starts, but is 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA (17 earned runs in 63 innings) in 10 starts since May 21. "It's a little more quality pitches, maybe," Blanton said. "Maybe my changeup has come around lately. My sinker is down instead of flat and over the plate, and that always helps. Other than that, I'm just trying to pitc

I dont get this sort of. Does it mean Harden will be rocked or hold up?

The A's will try to win consecutive games for the first time since their final contests before the All-Star break by handing the ball to Dallas Braden (7-8, 3.40 ERA).
The left-hander, who has held nine of his last 10 opponents to two earned runs or fewer, gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings of a 3-2, 10-inning loss to Minnesota on Tuesday. Despite the strong outing, he was frustrated that he matched a career high with four walks.
Braden has a 2.45 ERA in three relief appearances against New York. Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who's 1 for 12 with six strikeouts in the first three games of the series, is 2 for 2 with a homer in his career against Braden.
New York will counter with Sergio Mitre (1-0, 4.76), who got his first major league win in nearly two years Tuesday. The right-hander, who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2007 because of elbow ligament replacement surgery and a 50-game drug suspension, gave up four runs - three earned - in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-4 victory over Baltimore.

Alex Rodriguez
, NYY 3B
News Archive
New York Yankees

Rodriguez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's, The Journal News reports.
Spin:
The Yankees try to give Rodriguez a day off every week or so to keep his hip as healthy as possible. Cody Ransom will start at third and bat ninth.



Jason Varitek
, Bos C
News Archive
Boston Red Sox

Varitek is not in Sunday's lineup against the Orioles, the Boston Globe reports.
Spin:
A non-Tim Wakefield related day






Adam LaRoche
, Bos 1B
News Archive
Boston Red Sox

LaRoche is in the lineup at first base on Sunday with Kevin Youkilis sliding over to give Mike Lowell a break at third base, the Boston Globe reports.
Spin:
LaRoche, who is batting seventh Sunday, will probably limited to spot starts as long as the the team's corner infield/DH starters are healthy, but he's already given the Red Sox the flexibility they were looking for and is an injury away from regular duty.





Derrek Lee
, ChC 1B
News Archive
Chicago Cubs
Day-To-Day
Lee (neck spasms) received treatment immediately after leaving Saturday's game and said he may play Sunday, the Cubs' web site reports.
Spin:
The injury isn't considered serious, but it's nagged him on and off for much of the year. Consider Lee day-to-day for now.

Tampa Bay Rays/Toronto Blue Jays
Total Points UNDER 8½ -110 for Game
J Niemann -R must Start B Cecil -L must Start