Starting pitcher rankings for August 20, 2009

Way-Rod faces hot Marlins


<cite class="source"> http://search.espn.go.com/adam-madison/ </cite>
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Rain hasn't been much of a concern for quite some time -- it's summer, after all -- but it threatens to rear its ugly head again Thursday with up to seven games possibly affected. We'll have more on that down below, but fortunately, one of the games that are sure to finish is the Marlins-Astros affair, which will thankfully be played in a weatherproof park. With two of the National League's best pitchers scheduled to square off -- and two of our top seven pitchers on Thursday's rankings -- in Josh Johnson and Wandy Rodriguez, there's only one downside: One is likely to go home a tough-luck loser. The rest of our rankings -- and the day's disruptive forecast -- await, so let's get crackin'.
For starters

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Starting pitcher rankings for August 20, 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;">Johan Santana</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">13-8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.21</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.683</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">.745</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">81.8%</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;">Josh Johnson</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">12-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.85</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.07</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.81</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.591</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">.734</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.9%</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;">Jon Lester</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">9-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.71</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.27</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.685</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">.767</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">83.1%</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;">Joel Pineiro</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.18</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.667</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">.703</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.1%</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;">John Lackey</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8-5</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.73</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.25</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.701</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">.771</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">6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Matt Cain</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">2.49</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.99</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.651</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">.692</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;">Wandy Rodriguez</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">11-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.05</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.27</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.23</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.718</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">.751</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.6%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">James Shields</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">3.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.31</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.36</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.760</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">.751</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">82.6%</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;">Joe Blanton</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.29</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.32</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.757</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">.752</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">77.6%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Aaron Harang</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-14</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.42</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.00</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.807</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">.697</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">11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Kenshin Kawakami</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-9</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.13</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.776</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">12</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jarrod Washburn</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">2.95</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.09</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.20</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.636</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">.716</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">13</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Derek Holland</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.88</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.39</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.28</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.796</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">.772</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;">Tim Stauffer</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">3.50</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.36</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.751</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">.748</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">15</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Doug Davis</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-10</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.59</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.45</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.71</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.740</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">.782</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">16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Jeff Weaver</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">3.71</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.44</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.71</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.796</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">78.3%</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;">Ryan Rowland-Smith</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3.60</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.11</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.650</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">79.7%</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;">Justin Masterson</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">3-4</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.70</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.41</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.53</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.741</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">.808</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">19</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Tom Gorzelanny</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.16</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.87</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.621</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">81.1%</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;">Brett Cecil</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5-1</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.35</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.55</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.91</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.840</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">.791</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">79.6%</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;">Jason Hammel</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">R</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">7-7</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">4.73</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.55</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.41</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.841</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">.760</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">78.2%</td></tr> <tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">22</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">3-6</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.87</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.60</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">5.03</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.842</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">.775</td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center">76.9%</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;">Garrett Mock</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">5.27</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.92</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">.906</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">.784</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">24</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Brian Matusz</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">L</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1-2</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">6.75</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">2.40</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">8.78</td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center">1.104</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">.800</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: Wandy Rodriguez owners were no doubt surprised when he allowed 10 runs in four innings to the Brewers in his most recent start, especially when he allowed just four runs in his previous seven starts. With such a recent sterling track record, you just kind of shrug your shoulders and chalk it up to variance. However, a tough, but not impossible, matchup with the Marlins should tell more. He might not be running into the Fish at the best of times, as they possess the league's top OPS since the All-Star break, but they're still susceptible to left-handers, striking out more often than any other team against southpaws. … It's telling that while Aaron Harang has allowed 13 home runs in his past 10 starts, his start against the Giants was one of just two starts in which he didn't allow a home run. Those Giants rank second-to-last in home runs hit this season, and the last-place team -- the Mets -- is the other team that Harang didn't allow a home run against. It makes it much easier to like Harang when his biggest Achilles' heel is diminished, and he should put in a valuable performance as a result. … The futility of those Mets is what makes Kenshin Kawakami such an appealing spot start. With David Wright now out, the lineup features just two hitters with an OBP better than .330, making it ripe for the picking. Unfortunately, Kawakami is matching up against Johan Santana, so a win will be hard to come by, but a quality start seems probable. … A matchup versus the Royals did the trick and set Jarrod Washburn back on course, as he pitched eight shutout innings while allowing just three hits in his first quality start for the Tigers. Offensively, the Mariners are almost exactly as futile as the Royals -- Seattle's OPS is just one point higher on the month and four points higher on the year -- so you have to expect him to do well against his former team. … It wasn't pretty, but Derek Holland did limit the Red Sox to two runs in 6 2/3 innings, picking up his third win in four starts. He faces another tough test against the Twins, catching Joe Mauer right in the midst of another unbelievable month. We'd like Holland's chances a lot more if Justin Morneau and his .941 OPS ended up missing the contest -- he's day-to-day with an ear infection -- but the most recent time Holland faced the Twins, he lasted only four innings, allowing five hits, four walks and three earned runs, so you might want to leave him on your bench regardless. … Before Tom Gorzelanny was called up in the beginning of August, manager Lou Piniella said the team planned to give him three starts and revisit his stay in the rotation from there. Although Gorzelanny followed through with a 5.27 ERA, two of his three starts have been superb with two runs allowed in 12 1/3 innings versus the Reds and Pirates. The one poor start -- a 1 1/3 inning, six-run blowup against the Rockies -- is excusable when you consider how tough the Rockies are at Coors Field. Overall his strikeout potential (he's whiffed 15 batters in 13 2/3 innings since joining the Cubs) should have him on your radar. He should be avoided in all leagues in a tough matchup against the Dodgers, but it's worth watching him to see if he can consolidate some of his gains and not totally embarrass himself this time around against a very good offense.

Now batting

Hitters' count
• Carlos Guillen, 1B/3B/OF, Tigers: Guillen must be pretty healthy for the Tigers to acquire Aubrey Huff, who pushes Guillen back into playing the field. He's yet to get into a hitting groove, but one could be coming as he has reached base in six consecutive games, hitting .333 with two homers, a double and even a stolen base attempt (he was thrown out). His multi-positional eligibility makes him a great utility option who is available in nearly 50 percent of leagues.
• Josh Willingham, OF, Nationals: It seems kind of easy to keep mentioning Willingham, but that's never stopped us before! He's 6-for-13 in his past four games with three extra-base hits, including a dinger, and went 2-for-3 with a home run in a matchup earlier this season against Jason Hammel, Thursday's opponent.
• Jason Varitek, C, Red Sox: For what it's worth, Varitek is 2-for-2 with two homers against Brett Cecil this year. Is that enough to stop Varitek's brutal slide in recent weeks? Maybe or maybe not, but it's a gamble worth taking.
• Cody Ross, OF, Marlins: The streaky Ross is in the midst of his best month, and another matchup versus a southpaw -- he's up to eight home runs in 112 at-bats against them -- means more rewards should be on the way for his owners.
Pitchers' count
• Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds: With only two hits in 14 at-bats, compared to five strikeouts, Phillips can join the company of those who haven't been very successful versus Matt Cain. To Phillips' credit, the hits have been valuable -- a double and a home run -- but a .143 average implies that future hits will be few and far in-between.
• Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B/SS, Indians: Cabrera might be in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak, but John Lackey is on a roll too and has held Cabrera to a single in 12 at-bats, striking him out four times.
• Aaron Hill, 2B, Blue Jays: In 14 at-bats against Jon Lester, Hill is still hitless, although he has reached base twice via walk. Even though Hill normally hits left-handers hard, he's struck out six times against Lester, suggesting he's just baffled.
• Adam Lind, OF, Blue Jays: While Lind at least has a couple of hits to his name versus Lester, he's fanned more often, with eight K's in his 14 at-bats. Overall, Lind is hitting .143 with one extra-base hit, a double.
• Adam LaRoche, 1B, Braves: LaRoche has never been a very good hitter against left-handers, and it's a lot to ask of any hitter to perform well against Johan Santana. His 1-for-7 mark (5 K's) against Santana is understandable in that sense, and should be only a temporary setback in his recent hot hitting.
• Casey Blake, 1B/3B, Dodgers: Even if he wasn't slumping, we wouldn't expect Blake to do well versus Rich Harden, who has held him hitless in eight at-bats, striking him out five times.
If you're hard-core

• Ryan Garko, 1B, Giants: Garko is already 2-for-4 with a homer against Aaron Harang this season, and right-handers do slug .508 against Harang. Only five pitchers have allowed more than Harang's 24 home runs, so who better to take a chance against?
• Marcus Thames, OF, Tigers: It's doubtful the newly acquired Aubrey Huff is going to start over Thames against left-handers since Huff is hitting only .237 against them, versus Thames' .896 OPS. Thames has struggled recently but is always a threat to take one out of the park against a southpaw.
• Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Mariners: Gutierrez has been better against left-handers, with a robust .330 average along with six home runs in 109 at-bats compared to a .279 average and eight homers in 283 at-bats against right-handers. That makes him a must-start against Jarrod Washburn.
• Erick Aybar, SS, Angels: After batting .414 in July, Aybar has barely missed a beat in August, hitting .313 with two homers and three steals. He's 10-for-26 (.384) in his past six games and should keep up the pace versus Justin Masterson, who has a lot of trouble against hitters from the left side (.336 average against).
• Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies: With five home runs in his past seven games -- not to mention eight stolen bases in just 156 at-bats prior to such a power breakout -- the lid has burst on Gonzalez' potential. Manager Jim Tracy even hit him leadoff Tuesday, and with his plus defense, he could play every day against right-handers, considering that Seth Smith is really a nice fourth outfielder masquerading as a starter. Since a rough June (.210 average, 21-5 strikeout-to-walk rate), Gonzalez is 31-for-94 (.329) with a more respectable 18-9 strikeout-to-walk rate, and playing in Coors Field is just icing on the cake. The league is hitting .333 against Garrett Mock, so expect Gonzalez to continue his hot streak.
• Pat Burrell, OF, Rays: Burrell has yet to hit for average all season, but he does have two homers in his past three games and four in August, tying a season high. We've been waiting for him to get hot, and he'll have a great opportunity to keep hitting against rookie Brian Matusz, who has been pounded for three home runs and a 1.183 OPS against in his first 55 at-bats against right-handed hitters.
• Matt Diaz, OF, Braves: He just loves hitting against Johan Santana: Diaz has gone 3-for-5 against Santana this season to up his career numbers to 11-for-20 (.550), with a double and a home run. Diaz even has four home runs in August, matching his combined total from the previous four months, so maybe he's ready to take Santana out of the park for the second time.
Triage

Injury list: Out
• Hiroki Kuroda, SP, Dodgers (concussion): Kuroda looks probable to land on the disabled list Wednesday due to aftereffects suffered from being hit by a line drive Saturday. While Jeff Weaver will take his turn Thursday, it's doubtful Kuroda will miss more than the minimum.
• Nate McLouth, OF, Braves (15-day DL, hamstring)
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Rangers (15-day DL, arm): Saltalamacchia was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. Surgery would end his season, and possibly much of next season as well.
• David Wright, 3B, Mets (15-day DL, concussion)
Injury list: Day-to-day
• Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (15-day DL, ankle): After two rehab games at Triple-A, Cruz could be activated from the disabled list and return for Wednesday's contest.
• Nick Johnson, 1B, Marlins (hamstring)
• Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers (flu)
• Jason Kubel, OF, Twins (knee)
• Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins (ear infection)
• Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox (personal)
• Martin Prado, 1B/2B/3B, Braves (fatigue): The Braves announced Prado was pulled from Tuesday's game due to "sudden onset headache," and returned to Atlanta for tests. He might land on the disabled list soon.
• Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Giants (shoulder)
• Willy Taveras, OF, Reds (quadriceps)
Weather concerns

• Weatherproof games include Red Sox-Blue Jays, Orioles-Rays and Marlins-Astros.
• There is a ton of rain to take note of, beginning in the Midwest, where Cincinnati, Detroit and Cleveland all have thunderstorms to dodge. With each city dealing with a 60 percent chance of storms, delays and rainouts seem likely. Down South, Arlington, Texas, has both scorching heat up to 99 degrees and a 30 percent chance of showers.
• There are few signs of rain letting up in the Northeast, where we have Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Flushing, N.Y., all with a 50 to 60 percent chance of thunderstorms. Overall, more than half of the day's games could be interrupted by shower

Hammel lasts only four innings in loss: Colorado SP Jason Hammel (7-7) struggled from the start in a 6-5 loss to the Marlins. He lasted only four innings, throwing 95 pitches and allowing three runs. Florida scored in the second when Cody Ross singled and scored on a fielder's choice. Ramirez doubled to start the third and scored on John Baker's sacrifice fly. Johnson hit a two-out RBI double in the fourth to give the Marlins a 3-0 lead.

Hammel had won two starts in a row coming into Friday but has now allowed three earned runs in three starts in a row. Hammel is a bit inconsistent, limiting his Fantasy appeal to mostly NL-only formats. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Washington.



Mock goes six scoreless for win: Rafael Belliard and Wil Nieves hit solo home runs to back Garrett Mock's six solid innings and the Nationals snapped a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Reds on Friday night. Mock (2-4), making his sixth start since being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on July 16, retired 10 consecutive batters in one stretch on the way to his second win in his last two starts.

Mock has gone six innings in each of his last two starts and won both outings. He has been pretty decent in his three starts since returning from the minors and is worth taking a look at in NL-only formats while the Nats are playing better baseball. His next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Rockies.

Kawakami goes 6 1/3 against Phillies: Six of the Phillies' seven hits off Kenshin Kawakami were for extra bases Saturday. Kawakami gave up three runs in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out one batter and walked none.

Kawakami did not factor in the final decision despite leaving the game trailing on the scoreboard because the Braves rallied in the ninth. However, he pitched well enough to have a good chance at winning the game and has done so in six of his last seven starts. He's no Fantasy stud, but is a serviceable option for NL-only play and deeper mixed leagues as a stopgap for his next start at the Mets. However, be aware that he is slated to face ace Johan Santana in that game.



Santana bailed out by offense: Mets pitcher Johan Santana went 6 2/3 innings in Saturday's game against the Giants. He struck out six batters and walked one while allowing four runs off nine hits in a no decision. He left the game trailing 4-1, but did not factor in the decision.

Santana left the game in the seventh inning trailing int he score, but saw his offense bail him out for once in the eighth inning. Despite the Mets' troubles this season, he has maintained his status as an elite Fantasy pitcher thanks to his strikeout numbers along with his ERA and WHIP. Continue to start him in all leagues for his next outing against the Braves.

Davis goes six innings in ND: Arizona SP Doug Davis had a decent outing and took a no decision on Saturday against the Dodgers. He went six innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. He walked four and struck out two as his ERA dropped slightly to 3.59 on the season.

Davis has won three decisions in a row and has allowed two earned runs in each of his last four outings, all quality starts. He isn't getting the number of wins he likely should be because he pitches for Arizona but he is worth using in deeper mixed formats. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Philadelphia.



Blanton throws seventh QS in row: Phillies SP Joe Blanton allowed two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits in seven innings Friday at Atlanta, issuing one walk and recording two strikeouts. He didn't factor in the decision and is now 0-2 over his last three starts. He does have seven straight quality starts, however, posting a 1.79 ERA during that stretch.

Blanton's 3-2 record over his last seven starts hardly indicates how well he has pitched. The innings eater has improved his strikeout rate this year and has a great offense backing him in Philadelphia. Expect the wins to increase and get him active as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy SP. His next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Johnson allows one hit in 12th win: Josh Johnson allowed one hit and had a career-high 11 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings, and the Marlins tightened the NL wild-card race by beating the Rockies 6-5 on Friday night. The Marlins won for the seventh time in eight games and climbed within two games of the Rockies, who lead the wild-card race. Johnson (12-2) had not given up a hit until Garrett Atkins homered on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the seventh. The Marlins' right-hander allowed three walks and one run.

Johnson won his fifth consecutive decision. He is 19-3 since returning in July 2008 from an elbow injury that sidelined him for more than a year and required reconstructive surgery. He has developed into a Fantasy ace this season and should be active in all formats. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Houston.



Wandy rocked, allows 10 at Brewers: Astros SP Wandy Rodriguez, who hadn't allowed more than one earned run in his previous seven starts, allowed 10 runs on 10 hits in four innings Friday at Milwaukee. He allowed three home runs, issued five walks and recorded four strikeouts.

Rodriguez's ERA jumped from 2.51 to 3.05 with the performance, which is still plenty good, especially given his strikeout rate. Still, this start was nothing short of a disaster and will likely discourage Rodriguez's Fantasy owners from starting him next time out. You have to put the performance in perspective, though: It was just one bad start, something every pitcher has at some point during the season. Rodriguez has helped carry your team to this point, so stick with him for his next start, which is scheduled for Thursday against the M

Lester whiffs 11 in no-decision: Red Sox SP Jon Lester continued to pile up the strikeouts at Texas on Friday, recording 11 in six innings. He allowed three runs on six hits and three walks in six innings but didn't factor in the decision. He now has four straight no-decisions.

Lester has pitched like an ace lately, but he's not getting much support from his teammates. With well over a strikeout per inning, he's an obvious must-start in Fantasy. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at Toronto.



Cecil set for Thursday return: Brett Cecil is scheduled to rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation Thursday against the Boston Red Sox. Cecil has been out since he hurt his left knee when he fell trying to field a bunt on Aug. 8 against Baltimore. The rookie left-hander is 5-1 with a 4.35 ERA in 13 games, 12 starts, this season. Cecil took part in fielding drills and had a bullpen session Sunday, and Toronto manager Cito Gaston says he is ready to go.

Cecil has long-term potential, but he is a risky play even in AL-only leagues for Fantasy Week 20 (Aug. 17-23). That is a tough matchup returning from injury -- sans a rehab start.

Matusz gives up 5-run 3rd inning: Baltimore SP Brian Matusz dropped his second straight decision after winning his major league debut on Saturday against the Angels. Matusz (1-2) struck out seven in the game over 5 2/3 innings but struggled in the 3rd inning as he allowed five runs in that frame and none before or after. He gave up four earned runs in the game on 11 hits and three walks. His ERA is 6.75 after three starts and his WHIP is 2.40.
(Updated 08/15/2009).

Matusz did not pitch well in his second outing but was very solid in his debut. Saturday's outing was somewhere in between. He pitched better than the final outcome but definitely looked shaky in the big 3rd inning. He's still learning at the major league level after being called up from Double-A. Matusz is mainly an AL-only Fantasy option at this stage of his career but he can be owned in more leagues than that for upside. His next start comes Thursday at Tampa Bay.


Shields goes eight innings in loss: Tampa Bay SP James Shields (7-9) gave up five runs and eight hits in eight innings on Friday, taking a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays. Vernon Wells singled in the third to tie Lloyd Moseby (1,319) for third on the Blue Jays' all-time hit list. After that hit, Shields retired his next 16 batters before Lyle Overbay had a two-out single in the eighth.

Shields has lost three of his last four starts, breaking a long winless streak in his last start however. He worked deep into Friday's game but allowed too many runs against Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays to avoid the loss. He has been a bit of a disappointment this season but is still worth using in most mixed formats. His next start is scheduled for Thursday against Baltimore.

Lackey dominates O's Saturday: One game after the Orioles scored 16 runs against the Angels, L.A. starter John Lackey shut down the O's offense on Saturday. Lackey gave up seven hits over seven innings and allowed just one run to score in the game. He improved to 8-5 on the season with the victory as he walked one and had six strikeouts. Lackey has a 3.73 ERA.

Lackey has pitched at least 6 2/3 innings in his last seven starts and is 5-1 over that span with an excellent strikeout ratio. He should be getting usage in most mixed Fantasy leagues. Lackey's next start comes Thursday at Cleveland.


Masterson blown up by Minnesota: The Twins pounded out 12 hits on Friday against Cleveland and chased Justin Masterson (3-4) after just 3 1/3 innings. Masterson allowed six earned runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked five as his ERA climbed up to 4.70 on the season.

Masterson was not impressive as a starter with the Red Sox and hasn't shown anything too impressive so far in Cleveland. He has lots of potential and is a good talent, but can only be trusted in AL-only formats considering recent results. His next start is scheduled for Thursday against the Angels.

Swarzak to start as usual Thursday: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said after Monday's game at Texas that RHP Anthony Swarzak will start Thursday instead of LHP Brian Duensing. Duensing had to work in relief Monday.

Swarzak is 0-3 over his last three starts, allowing 16 runs in eight innings, so he probably deserves to lose his rotation spot, but the Twins will give him another chance. The rookie looks like just an AL-only option at this stage of his career.


Holland beats Boston to win again: Texas SP Derek Holland was not nearly as good on Saturday as he was in his previous start against the Anaheim Angels. He pitched a complete game three-hit shutout in that contest and struck out eight. On Saturday, against the Boston Red Sox, however, he only managed to pitch 6 2/3 innings and gave up two runs on seven hits. He still managed to get the win, though, and improved to 6-7 on the season. Holland walked two and had three strikeouts. He gave up two homers in the win and his ERA is at 4.88.

Holland is not going to throw CGSHOs every time out so a win over Boston on Saturday is an excellent start. Holland has won three of his last four starts and the three wins have been fantastic outings. He is gaining Fantasy value by the start and can officially be used in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues. His next start is scheduled for Thursday against Minnesota.

<table class="bet" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td class="bet_top" colspan="8" style="border: 1px dotted rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); background-image: url(http://images.caribsports.com/images/logosm.jpg); background-position: left top; background-repeat: no-repeat;" height="35">Go To: NFL Go To: College Football Go To: Added FTBL </td></tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 953 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Diamondbacks (D Davis) vs Phillies (J Blanton)(MLB) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Diamondbacks 8.80%
Phillies 91.20%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3240 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 955 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Rockies (J Hammel) vs Nationals (G Mock) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Rockies 69.35%
Nationals 30.65%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 1977 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 957 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:10pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Braves (K Kawakami) vs Mets (J Santana) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Braves 13.90%
Mets 86.10%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3324 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 959 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 8:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Marlins (J Johnson) vs Astros (W Rodriguez) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Marlins 83.76%
Astros 16.24%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 2088 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 961 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 10:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Cardinals (J Pineiro) vs Padres (T Stauffer) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Padres 6.59%
Cardinals 93.41%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3006 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 963 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 10:10pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Cubs (T Gorzelanny) vs Dodgers (Jeff Weaver)(WGN) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Cubs 36.12%
Dodgers 63.88%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 1113 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 967 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Red Sox (J Lester) vs Blue Jays (B Cecil) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Red Sox 84.87%
Blue Jays 15.13%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 2637 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 969 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Orioles (B Matusz) vs Rays (J Shields) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Orioles 12.44%
Rays 87.56%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 2652 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 971 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Angels (J Lackey) vs Indians (J Masterson) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Angels 91.51%
Indians 8.49%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3285 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 973 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 8:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Twins (A Swarzak) vs Rangers (D Holland) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Twins 18.21%
Rangers 81.79%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 1911 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 51 </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 7:00pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Diamondbacks (D Davis) vs Phillies (J Blanton)(MLB)(Score In The First Inning) </td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Yes 100.00%
No 0.00%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_a" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3 Bets
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> # 55 </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 10:05pm </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Cubs (T Gorzelanny) vs Dodgers (J Weaver)(WGN)(Score In The First Inning) </td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> Yes 0.00%
No 100.00%
</td> <td class="bet_cell_b" style="border-right: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153);"> 3 Bets</td></tr></tbody></table>

<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"> 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%"> John Lackey, RHP (8-5, 3.73)
Angels (73-45) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Justin Masterson, RHP (3-4, 4.70)
Indians (51-68) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Angels: Lackey picked up his eighth win of the season in his last start, lasting seven innings and allowing just one run. The right-hander issued one walk and had six strikeouts to lead the Angels to a 5-1 win over the Orioles.Indians: Masterson used every bit of his increased pitch count in his last start, on Friday against the Twins. Unfortunately, he needed 83 pitches to record 10 outs. In the start, Masterson allowed seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings, walking five and allowing six hits. The outing ended a recent stretch in which he had been superb, having allowed only one run in his previous 14 innings. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound right-hander will face the Angels next. He has allowed five earned runs to Anaheim in seven innings over two appearances (one start) this 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"> Citizens Bank 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%"> Doug Davis, LHP (7-10, 3.59)
Diamondbacks (54-67) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Joe Blanton, RHP (7-6, 3.88)
Phillies (68-49) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Diamondbacks: Davis has put together five good starts in a row following a two-start hiccup in which he struggled. Davis walked a tightrope in his last outing, against the Dodgers, walking four and allowing six hits over six innings. True to form, though, he found a way to pitch his way out of jams and wound up allowing just three runs. He did not get a decision in the game, as the D-backs rallied for two runs in the ninth to tie it before winning in the 10th. According to multiple reports, Davis was placed on waivers last week and was claimed by the Brewers. The two teams were unable to work out a deal, and Davis -- a free-agent-to-be -- will remain with Arizona the rest of the season.Phillies: Blanton battled through seven innings against the Braves on Friday, scattering seven hits and allowing just one earned run to take a no-decision. The right-hander struck out just two batters and benefited from some brilliant defensive plays by his outfielders, but he left the game after the seventh with the score tied at 2. Blanton's only other career start against the D-backs came last season. In that outing, he allowed eight earned runs over three innings.


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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"> Nationals 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%"> Jason Hammel, RHP (7-7, 4.73)
Rockies (67-53) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Garrett Mock, RHP (2-4, 5.27)
Nationals (43-77) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Rockies: Hammel gave up only three runs in a loss to the Marlins on Friday, but constant trouble put his pitch count at 95 after just four innings and gave him a relatively short start. The 26-year-old put at least two runners on in each of his four frames and finished giving up six hits and four walks while throwing just 55 percent of his pitches for strikes. It was the sixth start this season in which Hammel pitched fewer than five innings. The South Carolina native did not talk to reporters after that start, as manager Jim Tracy said he took a flight out of Miami to deal with a death in his family. Tracy said Hammel knew about the matter before his start and that he was "OK to pitch." Hammel is scheduled to make his next start and will meet back with the team in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.Nationals: In fine form, Mock demonstrated the type of pitcher he is capable of becoming in his last start, on Friday night against the Reds. Mock pitched six strong innings as the Nationals won, 2-0, at Great American Ball Park. Mock dominated over the first four innings, striking out five batters, and he was able to get out of trouble in his final two frames.


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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"> Rogers Centre | 7:07 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%"> Jon Lester, LHP (9-7, 3.71)
Red Sox (68-51) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Brett Cecil, LHP (5-1, 4.35)
Blue Jays (55-63) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Red Sox: In his last start, against the Rangers on Friday, Lester allowed three earned runs over six innings and struck out 11. It was the sixth time he's reached double-digit strikeout totals this season, a new Red Sox record for a left-hander. Lester also produced his 16th quality start of the season, one off the team lead. In eight career starts against the Blue Jays, Lester is 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA over 51 1/3 innings. He is 1-3 with a 5.28 ERA over 29 innings in five career starts at Rogers Centre.Blue Jays: The 23-year-old Cecil exited his Aug. 8 outing against the Orioles with one out in the fifth inning after experiencing pain in his knee. The rookie indicated that it was the third time since Spring Training that the knee has flared up on him, and an MRI exam revealed two small tears -- nothing serious enough to warrant time on the disabled list. But he did skip a turn in the rotation.


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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"> Tropicana Field | 7:08 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%"> Brian Matusz, LHP (1-2, 6.75)
Orioles (48-72) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> James Shields, RHP (7-9, 3.88)
Rays (65-54) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Orioles: Matusz won his big league debut but has lost each of his past two starts, marking the first time in his professional career that he's posted back-to-back losses. The southpaw walked three batters and allowed five runs in one eventful inning in his last start but was spotless for the rest of his start. Matusz, the fourth overall pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, struck out seven batters against the Angels and showed an ability to flash a plus changeup and an above-average fastball.Rays: The losses keep piling up for Shields, who lost to Toronto's Roy Halladay on Friday. Shields was stung for five runs in the first three innings, but he hung around and ended up pitching eight innings and allowing eight hits, no walks and seven strikeouts. After the game, Shields said he was out of sync to begin and didn't seem to find location. And giving Halladay a five-run cushion usually spells defeat. The loss is Shields' third in four starts, though he threw 80 strikes out of 111 pitches -- a percentage of 72.1, his highest of the 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"></td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td></td></tr> <tr><td></td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5"></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"> 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%"> Kenshin Kawakami, RHP (5-9, 4.13)
Braves (63-57) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Johan Santana, LHP (13-8, 3.10)
Mets (56-64) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Braves: Kawakami shouldn't be too bothered by this matchup against Mets ace Johan Santana. Two of the right-hander's finest starts this season came amid the pressure of facing Roy Halladay and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Kawakami limited a potent Phillies offense to just three runs in 6 1/3 innings on Saturday and showed no ill effects of the 125-pitch effort he provided on Aug. 8, keeping the Dodgers scoreless for seven innings. In losing his only two previous starts against the Mets this season, the Japanese righty has worked 11 1/3 innings and allowed four earned runs.Mets: Santana opened Saturday's start on cruise control, retiring 10 of his first 11 batters and not allowing a hit until the fourth inning. But a 25-pitch sixth inning in which Santana yielded three runs ultimately proved to be his demise. He exited under heated terms, having thrown a brushback pitch to Pablo Sandoval and plunked Bengie Molina in retaliation for a Matt Cain fastball that struck David Wright in the head. Santana allowed four runs on nine hits over 6 2/3 innings in the no-decision. He is 1-1 in two starts against the Braves this season and hasn't allowed an earned run in 13 1/3 innings.


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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"> Minute Maid Park | 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%"> Josh Johnson, RHP (12-2, 2.85)
Marlins (64-56) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (11-7, 3.05)
Astros (58-62) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Marlins: Simply dominant is how to best describe Johnson's last outing. In fact, he had no-hit stuff, flirting with his first no-no. For 6 2/3 innings, the right-hander held the Rockies hitless before Garrett Atkins homered. Johnson worked 7 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and one run, while striking out a career-high 11. The Marlins are 18-6 when Johnson starts, and he has matched his career high for wins in a season (12). He previously did it during his 2006 rookie season.Astros: Rodriguez's run of terrific starts came to a screeching halt on Friday in Milwaukee, where he was rocked in his worst outing of the year. He gave up 10 hits, 10 runs -- including three home runs -- and five walks in four innings to snap his personal six-game winning streak. Rodriguez was 6-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his previous nine starts and was named NL Pitcher of the Month for July. He is 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA in six career games against the Marlins, including four 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"> 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%"> Anthony Swarzak, RHP (3-6, 5.87)
Twins (58-62) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Derek Holland, LHP (6-7, 4.88)
Rangers (67-52) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Twins: Swarzak picked up his third consecutive loss his last time out, and for the third straight time, he didn't pitch more than four innings. The rookie fell behind early, as he gave up a pair of leadoff homers in the second and third innings against Cleveland. The Indians tagged Swarzak for five runs on eight hits, as the right-hander struggled with his command all game. It was also the third time in his young career that Swarzak has allowed multiple home runs in a game. He will be facing the Rangers for the first time.Rangers: Holland beat the Red Sox, 7-2, on Saturday by holding them to two runs in 6 2/3 innings and is now 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA in his last four starts. Since the beginning of July, he is 5-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 10 games, including seven starts. He is 4-4 with a 6.14 ERA in 11 games, including seven starts, at home. This will be his first appearance against the Twins.


</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"> 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%"> Joel Pineiro, RHP (11-9, 3.25)
Cardinals (69-53) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Tim Stauffer, RHP (1-5, 3.50)
Padres (51-71) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cardinals: Pineiro's last start was an anomaly in three ways -- he gave up a homer, he walked a batter and he got a lot of run support. Actually, that last one is becoming more common, which is why Pineiro has surged to 11 wins on the season. He has been pitching well all year, but earlier in the season he didn't get any help from his offense. The road has been much less friendly to him than Busch Stadium, but it's not as though PETCO Park is a hitters' haven.Padres: It wasn't a quality start, though Stauffer held the Cardinals to four runs on seven hits in five innings in his last start, on Aug. 15. Albert Pujols hit an RBI double and Matt Holliday slugged a two-run home run in the first inning, but Stauffer pitched much better thereafter, as he got a lot of mileage out of his secondary pitches -- his slider and curveball -- which allowed him to match his season high of five strikeouts. He got six ground-ball outs, two fly-ball outs and walked three in five innings. The Padres would like to see better efficiency from Stauffer.


</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"> Dodger Stadium | 10:10 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%"> Tom Gorzelanny, LHP (5-2, 5.24)
Cubs (61-57) </td> <td class="textXl"> @ </td> <td width="38"> </td> <td class="textSm" width="50%"> Jeff Weaver, RHP (5-4, 3.71)
Dodgers (71-50) </td> </tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr><td> </td></tr> <tr><td class="pad5">
Scouting Report:
Cubs: Gorzelanny has made three starts since the Pirates dealt him to the Cubs prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline; two of them have been good. He held the Reds to one run in 7 1/3 innings in his first start, but in his second start -- against the Rockies -- Gorzelanny was hit in the foot by a line drive and left after surrendering six runs in 1 1/3 innings. However, Gorzelanny bounced back on Saturday, pitching against his old team and making his first start at Wrigley Field as a member of the Cubs. Although he lasted only five innings, Gorzelanny held the Pirates to one run on three hits and struck out eight, one short of his career high. Gorzelanny even struck out the side in the third, dominating the opposing hitters with a high fastball that got up to 93 mph.Dodgers: Dodgers manager Joe Torre announced Tuesday that Jeff Weaver will start on Thursday against the Cubs in place of right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, who's recovering from a mild concussion sustained last Saturday. Weaver has started six games for the Dodgers this season, going 2-1 with a 3.08 ERA. His most recent start came in San Francisco on Aug. 12, when he threw three scoreless innings in what was a bullpen day for the Dodgers. Torre said one of the reasons he decided to go with Weaver was because of how the right-hander matched up with the Cubs' lineup.
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D-backs got streamed at MB


08/20 18:55 +184 / -185
08/20 18:59 +182 / -185
08/20 18:59 +183 / -185
08/20 19:00 +182 / -185
08/20 19:00 +183 / -184
08/20 19:01 +182 / -183
08/20 19:03 +170 / -182
08/20 19:03 +170 / -180
08/20 19:05 +171 / -180



As did my under


08/20 18:53 9 +110 / 9 -112
08/20 18:56 9 +111 / 9 -112
08/20 18:59 9 +110 / 9 -112
08/20 18:59 9 +110 / 9 -111
08/20 19:03 9 +111 / 9 -117
08/20 19:03 9 +111 / 9 -118