Starting pitcher rankings for April 11

<center> Starting pitcher rankings for April 11

</center><table style="margin: 0pt; width: 100%;"> <thead><tr><th style="vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" colspan="6"><center> </center>
</th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> 2009 Statistics </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;" colspan="3"><center> Spring Training </center></th></tr></thead> <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> Opp </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rating </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><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> W-L </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> ERA </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> WHIP </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; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> ATL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.50 </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;"> Roy Halladay </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.17 </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;"> Chris Carpenter </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.65 </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;"> Justin Verlander </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.52 </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;"> Johan Santana </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.04 </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;"> Derek Lowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 4.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.23 </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;"> Mark Buehrle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.65 </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;"> Roy Oswalt </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0.90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.00 </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;"> Greg Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.11 </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;"> Shaun Marcum </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 8.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.30 </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;"> Randy Wolf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.05 </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;"> A.J. Burnett </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.04 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.83 </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;"> Joe Saunders </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16-7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.60 </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;"> Jake Westbrook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.73 </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;"> Clay Buchholz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 9.73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.89 </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;"> Scott Feldman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.08 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.46 </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;"> Edwin Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.59 </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;"> Gil Meche </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.09 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.91 </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;"> Nick Blackburn </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.03 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.13 </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;"> James Shields </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.14 </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;"> Tom Gorzelanny </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.27 </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;"> Jon Garland </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.01 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.22 </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;"> Dallas Braden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8-9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 5.97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.61 </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;"> Mike Leake </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> -- </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.00 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.11 </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;"> Ian Snell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 7.13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.42 </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;"> Anibal Sanchez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4-8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1-3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.75 </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;"> Kevin Millwood </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13-10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 13.33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 3.21 </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;"> Zach Duke </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> L </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"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11-16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4.06 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 6.43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.48 </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;"> Livan Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9-12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5.44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 0-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.38 </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;"> Charlie Haeger </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> R </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"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1-1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3.32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1.05 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2-0 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 2.24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 242);" align="center"> 1.37 </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: Tim Lincecum likely will reside at the top of the charts for quite some time in 2010, especially as long as he continues to keep a perfect 0.00 ERA. Roy Halladay slots in just behind the San Francisco Giants' ace, as he takes his turn at facing the Houston Astros on Sunday. … Chris Carpenter went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA against the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Hard to find anything we don't like in his game right now. Ditto that for Justin Verlander, who won all four of his starts against the Cleveland Indians last season with an 0.90 ERA. … Derek Lowe is 2-0 in five starts against the San Francisco Giants over the past two seasons, and few pitchers are as good as Mark Buehrle when they are in a groove, as he appears to be right now. … Rounding out our top 10, we'll go out on a limb with Greg Smith, a late insert as the Colorado Rockies try to juggle their staff early to improve their fortunes, and Shaun Marcum, who looked pretty good up until Nelson Cruz took him deep in the season opener. … Middle-of-the-road picks: Randy Wolf won his Milwaukee Brewers debut because his lineup kept the runs coming. He's facing Chris Carpenter, so we don't expect that to happen in his second start. We're a little leery that the change in leagues will be the fantasy death of Edwin Jackson, especially when he takes the mound at Chase Field. … Bringing up the rear of the rankings, and only for the brave, is Kevin Millwood, who seems to lose his control when he sees maple leaves. He's got a 5.33 career ERA versus Toronto. Also at the bottom of the barrel, Livan Hernandez -- who should be activated by the Washington Nationals in time to square off against the New York Mets -- and Charlie Haeger. Never put your trust in a knuckleballer not named Wakefield.
Now batting

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Livan to start Sunday vs. Mets: Mlb.com is reporting that Nationals pitcher Livan Hernandez is expected to be activated and pitch against his former team, the New York Mets, Sunday. He has been working out of team's complex in Viera, Fla., and is expected to have a bullpen session or a simulated game Thursday.
(Updated 04/07/2010).


Hernandez is nothing more than a high-risk starter for the Nationals


Johan Santana allowed one earned run on four hits, walked two and fanned five over six innings to beat the Marlins in his Opening Day assignment on Monday. Santana's uneven Spring Training raised questions about the state of his surgically repaired elbow, but the left-hander quieted the doubters with this vintage performance. Look for the left-hander to deliver another strong start when he next faces the Nats at home

The lefty was 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against Washington last season.



aeger, a knuckleballer with 39 strikeouts and 33 walks in 53 big league innings over parts of four seasons, will start Sunday against the Marlins. Haeger finished the spring with a solid 2.20 ERA in 16 1/3 innings which earned him the starting gig. As a starter in the league, he'll have value in NL-only Fantasy leagues but that is about it.
(Updated 04/07/2010).




njuries have limited Sanchez to 49 starts and one relief appearance over the past four seasons, but he reminded everyone of what he can do when healthy by posting a 2.68 ERA over his final nine outings of 2009. Just 26 years old, the right-hander has enough strikeout potential to make him an interesting sleeper in '10, though it isn't a good idea to expect him to contribute for a full season.





Gorzelanny steady once again: Cubs SP Tom Gorzelanny continues to pitch effectively, holding the Giants to three earned runs on Tuesday. He tossed seven innings, scattering eight hits and striking out two batters. Gorzelanny has yielded five earned runs in his last 16 2/3 innings of work.
(Updated 03/30/2010).

Gorzelanny has had a nice showing this spring, posting an ERA of 3.32 with 16 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings. Though he may be perceived as a marginal Fantasy SP, he posted solid peripherals last season and could succeed as a starter if he can do a better job of stranding baserunners.



Leake 'beyond his years' before debut: From The Sports Xchange notes: RHP Mike Leake didn't come to spring training expecting to win a job but he didn't rule it either. "Realistically, I didn't think I had a chance," he said. "But inside I thought I did. I guess realistically I did. I'm just thankful they had faith in me." Leake, the club first-round pick in June, emerged from a large field to win the No. 5 spot in the rotation. When Leake makes his debut -- probably on April 11 -- he'll become the 21st player to debut without playing in the minors. He was 16-1 with a 1.71 ERA for Arizona State last year. "Neither Walt nor I have ever had a player without any professional experience," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "But he's a special young man. His poise, his discipline, his control, his command, his pitch selection are far beyond his years."
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Leake is a must-add in NL-only and long-term keeper leagues. He should even prove to be a viable stopgap in mixed formats. He was as dominant in Division I baseball last year as Stephen Strasburg and wins the rotation spot Aroldis Chapman couldn't even win






Westbrook struggles in official return: Jake Westbrook -- back from reconstructive elbow surgery -- tied a club record with four wild pitches, hit Carlos Quentin twice, walked four and allowed five runs and five hits Monday in his first start since May 28, 2008. He left trailing the White Sox 4-0. "Chalk it up to I just didn't pitch well," he said. "I'm done with the excuses of you haven't pitched in a year and a half. Now it's just a matter of getting better."
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Westbrook might be the Indians' "ace" but he is a risky option best left for AL-only leagues. He faces a tough matchup at the end of Fantasy Week 1 (April 4-11) at Detroit and against ace Justin Verlander. Westbrook is 4-8 with a 6.05 ERA in 20 career outings against the Tigers.



Verlander hit hard by Royals: Tigers ace Justin Verlander struggled during his opening-day start against the Kansas City Royals on Monday. Verlander, pitching in Kansas City, was given a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but gave up a two-run home run to Yuniesky Betancourt in the second. He later gave up a two-run single to Billy Butler in the fifth before leaving the game after five full innings. Verlander gave up four runs on six hits and a walk and struck out six. He picked up a no decision against Zack Greinke because the Tigers pounded the Royals' bullpen after both starters were out of the game. Verlander is working with a 7.20 ERA after one start.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Verlander allowed 13 runs on 26 hits over 21 1/3 innings this spring with 14 strikeouts, and his final spring outing was one of his worst. This is not good news that he's had another poor outing, for him at least, since this time it counted. Verlander went 19-9 last season with a 3.45 ERA and remains a No. 1 Fantasy SP. We're sure he'll put it together quite shortly. In fact, he could earn his first win of the season on Sunday against Cleveland. Verlander went 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA with a complete game shutout in four starts against the Tribe last season. He had 41 strikeouts over 30 innings in those four starts.
(Updated 04/05/2010).






Marcum toys with no-no: Shaun Marcum had a no-hitter going for 6 1/3 innings Monday, but he exited with a no-decision after a three-run seventh inning. All in all, the Jays right-hander was sharp on opening day, as he gave up two hits and a walk, while striking out six batters, in a 5-4 loss to the Rangers. "I never expected that. But you never expect a no-hitter. All in all I felt good," Marcum said.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

It was an impressive performance for a pitcher who missed all of 2009 after elbow surgery. If Marcum can tame his long-ball propensities, he could be a valuable pitcher, even in mixed league formats


Millwood's 'pen blows victory: Orioles SP Kevin Millwood was quite solid in his debut with his new team on Tuesday at Tampa Bay. Millwood, who struggled hard in the spring but said he'd be fine once the season began, was proven a truth teller after this performance. He allowed two runs and nine hits in five-plus innings but closer Mike Gonzalez ultimately blew the save and the win for Millwood, who settled for the no decision. Millwood walked one and struck out five as he threw 100 pitches on the game.
(Updated 04/06/2010).

Millwood pitched well but the bullpen and the Orioles offense let him down. The good news is that he didn't get shelled as he had all spring. Millwood looks like he'll be a serviceable starter for the Orioles and a solid leader for their young pitching staff. He should get to double-digit wins this season and that makes him a solid Fantasy option in AL-only leagues, at least. His next start comes Sunday at home against Toronto. He's 2-4 with a 5.33 ERA in his career against the Blue Jays.







Burnett K's 5 in no decision: Yankees SP A.J. Burnett struck out five Red Sox in five innings on Tuesday night in Boston and New York won the game. Burnett, however, was saddled with a no decision as he allowed four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits over five innings. He walked one and allowed a two-run homer to Victor Martinez in the third inning. Burnett threw 94 pitches and 58 went for strikes.
(Updated 04/06/2010).
s
Burnett was OK against Boston on Tuesday but the Yankees would have preferred he went more than five innings. He is a big-time strikeout pitcher and he'll be just fine getting plenty of run support from the Yankees this season. He is a solid No. 3 Fantasy SP for use in all mixed leagues most of the time. He'll make another appearance on the mound in the opening week of the season and that comes Sunday in Tampa Bay. Burnett owns the Rays as he's gone 11-4 with a 2.77 ERA against them in 21 career starts.



Shields mediocre in debut: Rays SP James Shields allowed nine hits and three runs in six innings, as the Rays beat the Orioles, 4-3, Tuesday night. All three of the runs came off gopher balls Sheilds dealt to Adam Jones, Luke Scott and Matt Weiters. Shields left the game with the loss in his name, but the Rays rallied with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to win.
(Updated 04/06/2010).

Shields stuck out six and walked two while getting the no decision. He didn't fair well in his first outing of 2009 but came back in his next start and pitched seven scoreless innings. Shields has given up a lot of home runs in his career, but he doesn't walk too many batters and gives you 160-plus strikeouts. As long as he keeps up the quality starts, he should finish the season as a top 25 pitcher. Shields' next next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Yankees. He only faced the New York once last season giving up five runs over 5.1 innings in a loss.








Blackburn just good enough for win: Twins SP Nick Blackburn was true to form in his first start of the season Tuesday at the Angels. He didn't do anything flashy, but he gutted out a victory, allowing three runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. He also issued four walks and recorded four strikeouts.
(Updated 04/07/2010).

Blackburn's last two seasons have been almost identical statistically. He allows more than 10 hits per nine innings and records less than five strikeouts per nine innings, but his excellent control allows him to finish with an ERA right at 4.00. His lack of upside makes him no more than a low-end option in mixed leagues, but he'll win enough games to be a useful stopgap or matchups




Buehrle great on mound, defensively: Mark Buehrle pitched three-hit ball over seven innings and the Chicago White Sox opened with a 6-0 victory over the Indians on Monday. Starting his club-record eighth opener, he looked more like the four-time All-Star he is than the guy who won just twice after his perfect game against Tampa Bay on July 23. He retired the last 10 batters he faced, struck out three and walked one, and drew loud cheers for a spectacular play in the fifth when a hard one-hopper by Lou Mason ricocheted off his left foot into foul territory along the first-base side. Buehrle raced over and -- in one motion -- shoveled the ball between his legs with his glove to Paul Konerko's bare hand to retire the runner.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Buehrle draws the Twins in his next start. Buehrle went 2-3 with a 5.85 ERA in six starts against Minnesota last season. He could prove to be an advisable option in all formats for Fantasy Week 2 (April 12-18) with another solid outing.








C. Buchholz to throw sim game Wed.: CSN New England reports that Red Sox SP Clay Buchholz will throw a sim game Wednesday at Fenway Park. His first start of the season is scheduled for Sunday at Kansas City.
(Updated 04/06/2010).

With each start they make over the first two-plus weeks of this season, Buchholz and Tim Wakefield will be pitching for their rotation lives, as Daisuke Matsuzaka should be back from his various ailments later this month. Buchholz will be worth using in deeper mixed leagues while he's guaranteed starts, but just beware of his uncertain future.



Meche will start Sunday against Boston: Royals SP Gil Meche (shoulder) threw a bullpen session on Friday without any pain and will start Sunday against Boston.
(Updated 04/09/2010).
Injury Report
Shoulder - 15-day DL. Expected to return for April 11 start vs. Boston

Meche definitely draws a tough challenge in his first start -- Boston. In his one start against Boston last year, he was 0-1 with a 14.73 ERA. We wouldn't be surprised if Meche is a little rusty. He needs to get his career back on track after an injury-plagued 2009. Meche can be a viable Fantasy SP in mixed leagues, but he remains more of a low-end flier until further notice.







Snell solid in no decision: Seattle SP Ian Snell pitched very well on Tuesday against the Oakland A's. Unfortunately, his offense couldn't score much against Dallas Braden, either. Snell pitched six innings of three-hit baseball and gave up just one run. That run came on a Kurt Suzuki home run in the fourth inning. He walked two and struck out four. Snell needed exactly 100 pitches in his six innings of work. He got the no decision as the game went into extra innings.
(Updated 04/07/2010).

Snell went 7-10 with a 4.84 ERA last season pitching for the Pirates. He didn't get much more run support on Tuesday than he did with the Bucs last season but he certainly faired pretty well. He gets another try at his first win this week on Sunday at Texas. He's 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA in three career starts against the Rangers.



Feldman survives long balls: Scott Feldman had an uncharacteristic outing Monday, giving up a pair of homers, but he pitched well enough for the Rangers to beat Toronto, 5-4, in their season opener. He allowed three earned runs on five hits over seven innings, getting a no-decision.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Feldman had a breakout 2009 season thanks to a groundball-inducing sinker that propelled him to 17 wins and a 4.08 ERA. While he didn't follow his usual formula on opening day, he looked sharp and kept the Rangers in a tight game.








Braden K's 10 in season debut: Oakland SP Dallas Braden was awesome on Tuesday in his first start of the season against the Seattle Mariners. Unfortunately, he failed to earn the win because Ian Snell was pretty good too and his teammates couldn't score much for him. Braden pitched seven solid innings and allowed just one run -- on a wild pitch of all things -- on four hits. He walked one and struck out 10 in the game.
(Updated 04/07/2010).

Braden went 8-9 last season with a 3.89 ERA and 81 strikeouts over 136 2/3 innings in 22 starts. He certainly began 2010 in a much better fashion. Braden gets another Week 1 start and will look for his first win on Sunday in Anaheim against the Angels. He's just 1-3 in his career against the Angels with a 4.36 ERA in five starts



Saunders back to struggling in debut: Angels SP Joe Saunders, who appeared to right the ship late last season with a 2.89 ERA in six September starts, was back to getting knocked around in his first start of 2010 against the Twins on Tuesday. He allowed five runs on eight hits in five innings, issuing two walks and recording four strikeouts. "The problem was that I was working behind in the count all night from the first pitch on. And in this league, you can't do that," Saunders said. "When they know a fastball's coming, they're going to hit it hard. And that's what happened tonight."
(Updated 04/07/2010).

Saunders managed to win 16 games despite his struggles last year, giving him 33 wins over the last two seasons. He eats innings and pitches for a good team, which gives him some low-end appeal in mixed leagues, but he's overly hittable and strikes out less than five batters per nine innings. You should only use him in favorable matchups.







Carpenter already a winner in 2010: Cardinals SP Chris Carpenter is well on his way to another season contending for the NL Cy Young Award after his opening-day victory over the Reds. Carpenter (1-0) pitched six strong innings against the Reds and allowed just two runs, both on solo homers in the fourth inning by Joey Votto and Scott Rolen, on five hits and no walks on the day. He struck out three and needed to throw just 88 pitches to earn the win.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

Carpenter, who gave up only seven homers last season when he led the NL with a 2.24 ERA, did give up two long balls in the same inning on Monday but the result was the same as usual. Carpenter has won his last six starts against the Reds, going 4-0 last year. The last time Carpenter pitched in Cincinnati, he had a career day -- at the plate, of all things. He hit a grand slam for his first career homer and drove in six runs -- a Cardinals record for a pitcher -- during a 13-0 win on Oct. 1. Carpenter makes his second start of the season's opening week on Saturday at Milwaukee, where he has gone 2-1 with a 3.34 ERA in five career starts at Miller Park



Wolf proves his worth to Milwaukee: Brewers SP Randy Wolf didn't have a great performance by his standards Tuesday against the Rockies, but it was good enough for the win and good enough for Brewers fans. He allowed four runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings. He received raucous cheers for each of his eight strikeouts, a sharp difference from last year, when most Milwaukee fans were howling in disgust at a rotation that compiled a majors-worst 5.37 ERA. "That's why we got him here. He did a nice job tonight. A strike-throwing machine -- 97 pitches, 72 strikes," Brewers manager Ken Macha said. "That's pretty impressive." Wolf himself was less enthusiastic about the performance. "Obviously, I've got to pitch better than that. I can't rely on guys scoring five, six, seven runs a game."
(Updated 04/07/2010).

After years of arm troubles, Wolf put together arguably the best season of his career last year, posting a 3.23 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. He would have gotten more attention in Fantasy if the Dodgers had provided him with more than 11 wins, but the Brewers certainly have the offense to elevate him to the 12-to-15-win range. He isn't the most dominant pitcher around, but he's reliable and should be starting in all Fantasy leagues






Halladay cruises in Phillies debut: Phillies SP Roy Halladay struck out nine over seven innings and allowed one run and six hits in his National League debut Monday, as Philadelphia routed the Nationals, 11-1. He also helped himself at the plate with his second career RBI, albeit on a dribbler that traveled all of about 30 feet in Philadelphia's five-run fourth inning.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

When Halladay goes seven innings and gets 11 runs of offensive support, there's not much chance of him not picking up a win. Yes, the Nationals are bad, but you can't blame Halladay for that, as he looked like his usual dominant self. His second start on Sunday will come against another poor team -- the Astros




Oswalt sloppy in opener: Houston starter Roy Oswalt (0-1) allowed seven hits and three runs in six innings as he extended his team record to eight straight opening day starts on Monday against the Giants. Oswalt, who was battling minor hamstring issues earlier in the spring, allowed a single in each inning he pitched after the second and was helped in the third and fifth innings when Houston turned double plays. He recorded two walks while striking out three. "In the second inning, I got out of sync a little bit," Oswalt said. "But I fell back in after that. I think I did OK. If you take one inning out of the performance tonight, I think it was all right. Once I got to the third, fourth and fifth, I felt a little better, mechanical-wise."
(Updated 04/05/2010).

The hamstring injury shouldn't be much of a factor for Oswalt going forward. While it is possible he could pitch with slight pain all year, Oswalt is still more than capable of recording a respectable ERA while delivering a quality amount of innings.







Kawakami pitches well yet again: Braves SP Kenshin Kawakami held the Yankees to one earned run on Tuesday. In five innings, he gave up five hits while striking out three batters. He was scheduled to go longer but developed a blister on his right index finger and manager Bobby Cox decided to take him out as a precaution. Kawakami has allowed just three earned runs in sixteen innings over his last three starts.
(Updated 03/30/2010).
Injury Report
Finger - Probable for April 11 start at San Francisco
(Updated - 3/31/10)

Kawakami has followed up a decent 2009 with a solid spring, posting a 2.92 ERA in 24 2/3 innings, striking out 13 and walking two.




Lincecum on way to 3rd Cy Young?: Tim Lincecum pitched seven scoreless innings and the San Francisco Giants beat the Houston Astros 5-2 Monday night in the season opener. Lincecum (1-0) allowed four hits and struck out seven with no walks to shut down a Houston offense that started the season with star slugger Lance Berkman on the disabled list. Lincecum retired the first five batters before Pedro Feliz singled in the second. Lincecum didn't allow another hit until a single by Carlos N. Lee with two outs in the fourth, before retiring Geoff Blum to end the inning. About the only thing that slowed Lincecum was the mud that got stuck in his cleats with one out in the fifth. He walked off the mound and motioned to the umpire before a Giants trainer came out and handed him something, which he used to dig the chunks of mud out from in between the spikes. He then returned to the mound and quickly retired the next two batters.
(Updated 04/05/2010).

The performance Monday improved Lincecum's record to 34-2 in 55 starts when the Giants score at least three runs for him. He has won the last two National League Cy Young Awards and has led the NL in strikeouts the last two years with a combined record of 33-12 with a 2.55 ERA. Oh yeah, he's just 25 years of age. He returns home on Sunday against Atlanta for his second start of the opening week of the season and remains a No. 1 Fantasy SP for use in all leagues. He's 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA in six career starts against the Braves








McCutchen might be demoted after start: Pirates manager John Russell said right-hander Daniel McCutchen might be sent to the minors to get more work after his scheduled start Sunday against Arizona because the Pirates won't need a fifth starter until April 24.
(Updated 04/10/2010).

McCutchen made six starts during his first stint in the majors in 2009. He showed some promise, but clearly he has a long road ahead before becoming an ace pitcher. McCutchen is locked in the rotation, but it does seem Pittsburgh might skip him at times




Jackson so-so in Diamondbacks debut: Diamondbacks SP Edwin Jackson, back in the NL after a breakthrough season with the Tigers, was a loser in his season debut Tuesday against the Padres. He allowed three runs on five hits in five innings, issuing one walk and recording five strikeouts. "It definitely was an adrenaline rush," Jackson said. "You have to step back off the mound and calm down and take a deep breath, but overall, for a first start, I felt pretty good. I'll just keep building off of it as the season progresses."
(Updated 04/07/2010).

Jackson struggled this spring, which was discouraging for Fantasy owners after he posted a 5.07 ERA in the second half last year, but his strikeouts and walks were back to normal in the opener. His struggles down the stretch most likely had to do with his career-high 214 innings pitched. The 26-year-old clearly has good stuff and could take another step forward this year.

Justin Verlander better come up big....!!!!!!

• 902 New York Mets* -1½ -120 vs Washington Nationals
  L Hernandez - R Listed Jo Santana - L Listed
• 912 San Francisco Giants* -185 vs Atlanta Braves
  K Kawakami - R Listed T Lincecum - R Listed
• 918 Detroit Tigers* -200 vs Cleveland Indians
  Westbrook - R Listed Verlander - R Listed

Risking $50.00 To Win $161.82

• 918 Detroit Tigers* -200 vs Cleveland Indians
  Westbrook - R Listed Verlander - R Listed
• 929 Oakland Athletics* +146 vs Los Angeles Angels
  D Braden - L Listed J Saunders - L Listed

Risking $50.00 To Win $134.50

• 918 Detroit Tigers* -200 vs Cleveland Indians
  Westbrook - R Listed Verlander - R Listed
• 927 Seattle Mariners* +134 vs Texas Rangers
  I Snell - R Listed Feldman - R Listed

Risking $50.00 To Win $125.50

• 918 Detroit Tigers* -200 vs Cleveland Indians
  Westbrook - R Listed Verlander - R Listed
• l 919 Toronto Blue Jays* +106 vs Baltimore Orioles
  S Marcum - R Listed K Millwood - R Listed

Risking $50.00 To Win $104.50




918 Detroit Tigers* -1½ +105 vs Cleveland Indians
Westbrook - R Listed Verlander - R Listed
Risking $100.00 To Win $105.00