Starting pitcher rankings for Saturday, Aug. 1

Starting pitcher rankings for Saturday, Aug. 1

<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;">Tim Lincecum</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.05</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11.08</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.567</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">.789</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.3%</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;">Felix Hernandez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.79</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.61</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.614</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">.770</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.4%</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;">Josh Beckett</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.635</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">.747</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">4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Chris Carpenter</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">2.19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0.96</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.58</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.577</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">.737</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">5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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">10-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.65</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.41</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.694</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">.740</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.2%</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;">Ubaldo Jimenez</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">3.85</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.29</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.96</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.655</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">.701</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">7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">A.J. Burnett</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.99</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.708</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">.748</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.2%</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;">Derek Lowe</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.82</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.729</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">.764</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">9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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">5-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.43</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.65</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.690</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">.749</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">10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Carlos Zambrano</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">3.36</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.33</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.38</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.678</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">.726</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.1%</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 Danks</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.89</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.28</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.54</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.694</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">.831</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">12</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">7-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.31</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.76</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.764</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">78.4%</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;">Max Scherzer</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">3.61</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.33</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9.31</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.724</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">.730</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.6%</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;">Jeff Niemann</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.81</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.37</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.50</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.724</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">80.3%</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;">Joe Saunders</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">5.02</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.47</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.806</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">.761</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">80.7%</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">9-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.62</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.48</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.81</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.810</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">.774</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">17</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">4-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.27</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.59</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.47</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.863</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">.702</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">18</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">3-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.36</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.60</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.710</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">.787</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">19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tommy Hunter</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.17</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.643</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">.710</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.5%</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;">Burke Badenhop</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.46</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.33</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.694</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">.744</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">21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Edward Mujica</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.29</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.92</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.699</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">.766</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.1%</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;">Trevor Cahill</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.77</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.49</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.38</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.850</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">.766</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.4%</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;">Craig Stammen</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">4.46</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.22</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.735</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">.712</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">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">3-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.74</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.31</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.678</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">.795</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">25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jeremy Sowers</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.48</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.45</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.771</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">.746</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">26</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </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">2-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.87</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.45</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.783</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">.776</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">27</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">1-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.72</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.90</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.967</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">.752</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">28</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Mike Burns</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">6.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.63</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.90</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.922</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">78.4%</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;">Oliver Perez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.42</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.02</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.63</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.892</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">.739</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">30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Bruce Chen</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">0-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.39</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.55</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.39</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.898</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">.793</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.3%</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 Saturday: How can you not like Tim Lincecum, regardless of the opponent? Now throw in his personal record against the Phillies (1-0, 1.29 ERA in his past three starts against Philadelphia) and again I ask: How can you not like Tim Lincecum? … Felix Hernandez tends to have a slightly higher ERA when facing the Rangers (4.85 career at Arlington) but that's not enough to sour us on the once and future king. … Josh Beckett at Camden Yards? That has meant an .800 winning percentage for the Red Sox hurler, so he gets our bronze medal for Saturday. … Wandy Rodriguez has a 2.77 ERA against the Cardinals in two previous decisions in 2009, but of course, that was before the arrival of Matt Holliday. That's enough of a difference to make us favor Chris Carpenter (2-0, 1.17 ERA in his last three) in this matchup. … With the Reds hitting .244 (15th in the NL), we like Ubaldo Jimenez to win, especially going up against Homer Bailey, who, in spite of his first name, is only 3-6 with a 7.18 ERA at Great American Ballpark. … A.J. Burnett has a 2.77 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field, giving him a slight nod in our rankings over Derek Lowe. Besides, the Braves have plenty of injuries in the infield and aren't likely to be at full strength. Speaking of which, that's why we like Randy Wolf a bit more than perhaps we normally would, given his 4-6 record and 5.08 ERA at Turner Field. … John Danks has a 6.10 ERA against the Yankees, but at least he's not facing them on the road, where things could get real ugly. As long as we're on the topic of New York, how 'bout them Mets? The offense has come to life as of late, even at Citi Field, but Max Scherzer's 9.31 K/9 rate should get a boost here. … Jeff Niemann is strutting his stuff of late, with a 2.66 ERA in his past three, and he gets the Royals on Saturday, which is an easier matchup than, say, Minnesota. That's why we have to put Joe Saunders down a bit on our list, even with his 1.20 ERA at the Metrodome. … Brett Cecil (2-0, 0.45 ERA in his past three) and David Hernandez (1-0, 1.89 ERA in his last three) are both good sleeper picks if you're looking for an unheralded pitcher to roll the dice on today. … Florida's Burke Badenhop and Milwaukee's Mike Burns are our best guess to fill "undecided" spots in their respective team's rotations, but there's no guarantee they'll be the ones their managers eventually settle on. … As for the bottom of the barrel, we've got Virgil Vasquez (0-3, 9.00 ERA over his past three appearances), Oliver Perez, sporting a 1-5 record and a 5.01 ERA against the D-backs, and Bruce Chen, 1-1 with a 5.28 ERA lifetime at the Trop.

Now batting (Saturday)

Hitters' count
• Carlos Pena, 1B, Rays: Pena is hitting .342 against the Royals' current roster of pitchers, and Bruce Chen isn't exactly Cy Young.
• Curtis Granderson, OF, Tigers: Certainly, three home runs in three games is reason enough to start Curtis. The .364 career average against Jeremy Sowers is just gravy.
• Mark DeRosa, 3B, Cardinals: Not only does DeRosa have a six-game hitting streak, but he also has a .588 slugging percentage against Wandy Rodriguez.
• Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres: Milwaukee's starter is up in the air, but Gonzalez has a .458 batting average against the Brewers' current roster of arms.
• Orlando Hudson, 2B, Dodgers: Hudson is 11-for-34 in his career against Derek Lowe (.324), making him a player to keep your eye on this Saturday.
• Michael Young, 3B, Rangers: Young is the real "king" when facing Felix Hernandez, with a .354 career average and six RBIs in 48 at-bats.
• Jorge Posada, C, Yankees: Posada lost his eight-game hitting streak with a failed pinch-hit attempt Thursday. So what? He's still hot and is 3-for-4, with a home run, against John Danks.
• Kurt Suzuki, C, Athletics: Suzuki lost his nine-game hitting streak with a failed pinch-hit attempt Thursday. Again, so what? He's still hot and is 2-for-4 lifetime against Brett Cecil.
Pitchers' count
• Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels: In the midst of a five-game stretch in which he's hitting .368, we're just not high on him against the Twins, with his .146 average against the current staff of Minnesota.
• Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins: Morneau is only 1-for-9 lifetime against Joe Saunders, so if you've got a decision to make at first base today, you might want to lean in the direction of "the other guy."
• Milton Bradley, OF, Cubs: True, he's hitting a very un-Bradley-esque .360 since July 22, but that .167 against the Marlins this year is closer to what we expect this weekend.
• Emilio Bonifacio, 3B, Marlins: Bonifacio has never had a hit against Carlos Zambrano and is batting only .136 against the Cubs' staff as a whole. Plus, with Nick Johnson now in town, there might not be room at the infield for him.
• Carlos Lee, OF, Astros: Lee's hitting only .148 against Chris Carpenter, with a strikeout every three at-bats. Not today, Carlos.
• Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies: Sit Rollins after a .315 July? Yup. At least against Tim Lincecum, who has retired Rollins in 10 of 11 at-bats.
• Mark Reynolds, 3B, Diamondbacks: I love Mark Reynolds, but he hates the Mets. For his career, he's hit only .194 against them with 19 K's in 36 at-bats.
• Aaron Hill, 2B, Blue Jays: Exhibit No. 206 why not all hitting streaks are created equal. Hill's had a hit in nine straight and still only managed to raise his July average to .224. Ouch. Plus, Trevor Cahill got him three straight times back in April.
If you're hardcore

• Matt Diaz, OF, Braves: With a .727 OBP against Randy Wolf, we'd take a chance on him this fine Saturday.
• Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, Royals: He's batting only .119 in July … we know. But he was 8-for-24 against Tampa Bay in 2008; that's a hardcore starter's kind of stat.
• Kelly Shoppach, C, Indians: With V-Mart now joining the Red Sox, Shoppach will have plenty of chances to continue his current mini-roll: 4-for-7, with two doubles.
• Mark Kotsay, 1B, White Sox: Kotsay is hitting .364 against A.J. Burnett. Maybe he's worth a pickup, since he's getting some playing time.
• Luke Scott, DH, Orioles: Normally a 2-for-27 stretch means hands off. Hardcore owners will ignore that and look to the 1.625 OPS against Josh Beckett and cross their fingers.
• Willie Harris, 3B, Nationals: Harris is hitting .308 against the Pirates this season, and who knows what will remain in that bullpen when the deadline finally passes.
• Ramon Vazquez, SS, Pirates: This one's just a gut call, as I continue to believe that, given the playing time, Vazquez could develop into a solid fantasy stopgap … far better than Ronny Cedeno.
• Angel Pagan, OF, Mets: When I recently tweeted the following: "Angel Pagan -- Catalyst," my friend Ron thought it was a Lord of the Rings reference. Three steals, four triples and 11 runs scored in July? Take that, Sauron!

<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"> Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 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%"> Josh Beckett, RHP (12-4, 3.44)
Red Sox (60-42) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> David Hernandez, RHP (3-2, 3.20)
Orioles (44-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Red Sox: Beckett matched his win total from 2008 with victory No. 12 of the season on Monday against the Athletics. The Boston ace yielded three runs on eight hits while striking out 10 over seven frames, improving to 7-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 starts at Fenway Park this season. He has thrown six innings in each of his past 15 outings since May 5, going 9-2 with a 2.33 ERA over that span. In seven career starts at Camden Yards, Beckett is 4-1 with a 3.47 ERA and a 45:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio.Orioles: Hernandez has thrown four straight quality starts, two of which came in the challenging environs of Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. The right-hander has had success both at home and on the road this season and has allowed just four home runs in his first 45 innings. Hernandez, a strikeout artist in the Minor Leagues, has yet to whiff more than four batters in any big league start.


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<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"> Progressive Field | 7:05 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%"> Rick Porcello, RHP (9-7, 4.62)
Tigers (53-48) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeremy Sowers, LHP (3-7, 5.15)
Indians (43-60) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Tigers: Though the Tigers could skip a starter with the off-day Thursday, manager Jim Leyland said that Porcello will stay on turn and start on an extra day's rest after struggling in each of his first two games out of the All-Star break. His five runs allowed in each outing, including over 5 1/3 innings in his last start Sunday night against the White Sox, have raised his ERA by nearly a half-run in that span. Though Leyland noted a slight drop in velocity, his bigger concern was a curveball that didn't look sharp. He beat the Indians at Progressive Field on May 10 with five innings of one-run ball, and the Tigers would no doubt love for him to find that form again.Indians: Sowers provided what the coaching staff had wanted in his last outing Saturday against Seattle -- a strong finish. He has had the tendency to lose his effectiveness as he turns over the lineup. But he went seven innings, matching his season high, allowing no runs and four hits in a 10-3 victory. He allowed the fewest hits in any of his 11 starts. He said he was particularly pleased with getting out of trouble in the second, third and fourth innings without damage. He has a career 2-3 record against Detroit with a 6.66 ERA in five starts.


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<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"> PNC Park | 7:05 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%"> Craig Stammen, RHP (3-5, 4.46)
Nationals (32-71) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Virgil Vasquez, RHP (1-5, 6.21)
Pirates (44-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Nationals: Stammen had one of his worst outings of the season on Monday, giving up five runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Brewers. However, he ended up with no decision, thanks to outfielder Josh Willingham, who hit two grand slams. Pirates: Whether Vasquez is still in the rotation when his turn comes around remains to be seen. The righty was knocked out of his last start after only three innings. He allowed four runs on six hits and two walks. It was the second time in three starts that Vasquez was not able to pitch more than three innings. He has lost five straight and shown very little consistency with his command. The Pirates could decide to move Jeff Karstens from the bullpen back into the rotation. Otherwise Ian Snell or Tom Gorzelanny, both in Triple-A, could get a sniff.


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<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"> Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 7:10 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%"> Joe Saunders, LHP (8-6, 5.02)
Angels (61-40) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Anthony Swarzak, RHP (3-3, 3.74)
Twins (52-51) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Angels: The Angels are hoping a return to the Metrodome, where he has flourished in the past, and the turn of the calendar will jump-start Saunders, who struggled in July with an ERA of 8.00 in 27 innings. He hasn't won since June 24, against the Rockies, having endured six frustrating outings. His issue has been with fastball command and getting in hitters' counts, walking 15 while notching only 11 strikeouts in those 27 July innings. He's 2-1 with a 3.54 ERA in three career starts against the Twins and 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in the Metrodome.Twins: Swarzak once again stopped the Twins' starting pitching woes on Sunday against the Angels, giving up only one earned run is six 2/3 innings to improve to 3-3 with a 3.74 ERA. After Angels hitters picked up his curveball the second time through the lineup, the righty began dominating with his fastball and changeup. Swarzak will have a second go-round at the Angels in Minnesota, hoping to once again dominate.

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<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"> Citi Field | 7:10 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%"> Max Scherzer, RHP (6-6, 3.61)
Diamondbacks (45-58) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Oliver Perez, LHP (2-3, 7.42)
Mets (49-53) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Scherzer was lights out against the Pirates in his last outing. He held the Bucs to five hits in seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and no walks. Scherzer has been the victim of poor defense behind him at times this year and it has cost him some wins. The D-backs have won his last three starts, though he only has one win during that period. Over his last nine starts, the D-backs are 6-3 and he has a 2.72 ERA.Mets: Perez, who awkwardly acknowledges, "walks are part of the game," surrendered another four in his most recent start, one that lasted merely five innings. And he allowed two home runs as well in what became a no-decision against the Rockies at Citi Field. He has yet to reach the seventh inning in the four starts he has made since returning to the rotation July 8. He has this dubious distinction; through Sunday, all other pitchers in the big leagues had produced three starts in which their walks equaled or exceeded their innings pitched. Now, including the Monday game against Rockies, Perez has produced five such performances in nine starts. He faces the Diamondbacks in his next start, against whom he has a 1-5 record and 5.01 ERA in eight career starts. But he didn't face them last season and has an 0-1 record and 2.08 ERA in his two most recent starts, one in 2006 and the other in 2007.


</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"> Land Shark Stadium | 7:10 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%"> Carlos Zambrano, RHP (7-4, 3.36)
Cubs (54-47) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Burke Badenhop, RHP (5-4, 3.46)
Marlins (54-49) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cubs: Zambrano did not get a decision in his last start against the Astros, but did pitch well. He gave up one run on three hits over seven innings, and that one run came on Carlos Lee's home run. Zambrano did walk four, and struck out four. It was his 13th quality start. He's now 1-1 with a 2.52 ERA in his last six home games and has recorded a quality start in each of those games. He also has a hit in four of his last six games.Marlins: After days of uncertainty over who will start Saturday's game, it was announced that Burke Badenhop will get the ball against the Cubs. The right-hander is making his first appearance since returning from a three-game suspension for hitting Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson with a pitch on July 26. Badenhop won his only start this season after holding the Phillies to one run over five innings on May 27. Left-handers Sean West and Andrew Miller were other potential options to get the start on Aug. 1, but will not as both started in the Minors on July 29.


</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"> Great American Ball Park | 7:10 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%"> Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP (7-9, 3.85)
Rockies (56-47) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Homer Bailey, RHP (2-2, 6.87)
Reds (45-57) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rockies: Jimenez did not receive a decision despite another solid outing last Monday against the Mets, allowing three runs on six hits in seven innings. It was the third straight start he had surrendered exactly three runs and the 17th consecutive time he had lasted at least six innings. Jimenez is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in two career starts against the Reds, including tossing six shutout innings in his lone career start at Great American Ballpark. The current Reds' roster owns only 18 total at-bats against Jimenez, with Joey Votto going 2-for-5 with a double off him. Jimenez is moving from his July -- historically his best month -- to August, where he has struggled to a 4-5 mark with a 5.05 ERA in his career.Reds: After he struggled over his two previous outings, Bailey returned to form in a 6-3 win over the Padres. Bailey allowed three earned runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings. His only major mistakes came in the sixth when he gave up back-to-back homers which cut the lead to 5-3. Yet he received enough offensive support to earn his first victory since June 27. Bailey will look to continue his success against the Rockies, who he is 0-1 against in his career. He gave up four runs and 15 hits in a start against Colorado last season.


</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"> Busch Stadium | 7:15 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%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (10-6, 2.65)
Astros (51-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Chris Carpenter, RHP (9-3, 2.19)
Cardinals (57-49) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Astros: Rodriguez held the Cubs to one run in seven innings Monday in his final start in what was a stellar July. The left-hander went 4-0 with a 0.75 ERA in five July starts and has won five consecutive decisions. His 10 wins lead the team and are tied for his career. He's faced the Cardinals twice this year, holding them to four hits and one run in July 21 in Houston. In his second start of the season April 12 in St. Louis, he allowed five hits and three runs in six innings.Cardinals: Even though he hasn't always been extremely sharp, Carpenter was very, very effective in July. In five starts, he went 4-0 with a 1.62 ERA, putting him in consideration for pitcher of the month honors. He remains the same pitcher - power sinker and cutter, curveball and changeup, all with quality command. He's been even better at home than on the road this year, allowing only one homer at Busch Stadium in 2009.


</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"> Rangers Ballpark in Arlington | 8:05 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%"> Felix Hernandez, RHP (11-4, 2.79)
Mariners (53-50) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tommy Hunter, RHP (3-1, 2.00)
Rangers (58-43) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Mariners: The staff ace attempts to bounce back from an uncharacteristic outing, surrendering a season-high seven runs in a loss to the Blue Jays. The setback ended a personal seven-game winning streak, which catapulted him into his first All-Star Game. He was not the same, as the Jays hit two home runs off him, the first time that had happened since May 9.Rangers: Hunter pitched a career-high seven innings against the Tigers on Monday, allowing one earned run. He has now won in three consecutive decisions over his last four starts. In his past five starts since being called up from Triple-A, Hunter is 3-1 with a 1.47 ERA. He has thrown four quality starts over that span. He has thrown at least six innings in four of his six starts this season. In one career start against the Mariners, Hunter received a no-decision, allowing no earned runs over six innings of work.
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<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="left">
</td> <td align="right"> AT&T Park | 9:05 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%"> Joe Blanton, RHP (7-4, 4.11)
Phillies (59-42) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tim Lincecum, RHP (11-3, 2.30)
Giants (56-47) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Phillies: Blanton has been phenomenal over the past two months. He tied his season high by lasting eight innings against the Cardinals on Sunday, allowing two runs and striking out six. In July, he has surrendered just four runs in 29 1/3 innings, good for a 1.21 ERA. He is 5-1 since May 9. The lone loss? He allowed two runs and struck out 10 Rays on June 24. Against the Giants, Blanton is 1-2 with a 5.74 ERA in five career starts. Giants: Lincecum didn't allow an earned run -- he allowed two unearned -- in his complete-game effort Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He allowed just four hits and struck out a career-high 15 batters. In fact, he's whiffed eight or more in nine straight outings. It's all keeping the right-hander on pace with teammate Matt Cain and the rest of the National League's elite pitchers. Lincecum went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts against the Philadelphia Phillies last season.


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<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"> Oakland Coliseum | 9:20 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%"> Brett Cecil, LHP (4-1, 4.27)
Blue Jays (49-54) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Trevor Cahill, RHP (6-9, 4.77)
Athletics (44-58) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Blue Jays: Cecil has been on a nice run ever since allowing seven runs in 3 2/3 innings in a start against the Yankees on July 5. In the three outings since that forgettable performance, the young lefty has gone 2-0 with a 0.45 ERA, striking out 21 and walking nine over 20 innings. On Sunday, Cecil picked up a win at home against the Rays after allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks over seven innings.Athletics: Cahill, who'd been outstanding in a victory over the Twins his previous time out, struggled against the host Red Sox in the opener of a four-game series on Monday, allowing six runs on 10 hits and two walks over five innings while absorbing his fourth loss in five decisions. A sinkerball specialist who need to keep his money pitch below opponents' knees to success, Cahill set the tone for his disappointing outing by surrendering a solo homer to Dustin Pedroia on a thigh-high fastball in the bottom of the first inning. Cahill has faced the Blue Jays once this year, allowing two runs on five hits and five walks over 5 1/3 innings on the way to a no-decision in Toronto on April 18.


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<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"> PETCO Park | 10:05 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%"> Mike Burns, RHP (2-3, 6.30)
Brewers (51-52) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Clayton Richard, LHP (4-3, 4.65)
Padres (42-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Brewers: Burns, freshly recalled from Triple-A Nashville, will return to the Brewers' rotation because the team has few other choices. Burns was bounced from the rotation after going 2-3 in five starts, but injuries to Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan necessitated another fresh arm, and Burns got the call over Tim Dillard, a right-hander who was a starter all season at Nashville. In his five starts, Burns has a 7.20 ERA and opponents are hitting .314 against him with seven home runs in 25 innings.Padres: Richard was acquired Friday from the White Sox in the trade sending four pitchers to the Padres for ace right-hander Jake Peavy. Richard was scheduled to start for Chicago against the Yankees on Friday, but will instead start for another team in another league.
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I took the high road tonight as was to tired to delve and parlayed the top three.

<table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"><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;">Tim Lincecum</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-3</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.30</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.05</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11.08</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.567</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">.789</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.3%</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;">Felix Hernandez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.79</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.61</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.614</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">.770</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.4%</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;">Josh Beckett</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.635</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">.747</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.4%</td></tr></tbody></table>
And am I glad I did $$$$$$$