Rankings for May 9

For starters: Sunday



<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<CENTER>Starting pitcher rankings for May 9 </CENTER>

<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=6><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>2010 Statistics </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=3><CENTER>Past 21 Days </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><THEAD><TR><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rk </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Name <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>T </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 35px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><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=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Lincecum </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYM </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.83 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.91 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adam Wainwright </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PIT </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.87 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.32 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ubaldo Jimenez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@LAD </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.02 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.31 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Dempster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.03 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.37 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Correia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.21 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.63 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Oswalt </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.15 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.93 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.07 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Romero </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CHW </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.00 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.07 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.67 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Burnett </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BOS </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.16 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.26 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.05 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Leake </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CHC </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.31 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.33 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Shields </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@OAK </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.30 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.83 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Braden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.19 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.88 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cole Hamels </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.42 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.18 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Clayton Kershaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>COL </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.70 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5.23 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Vargas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>LAA </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.04 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.66 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jon Lester </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYY </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.31 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.70 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.05 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brian Matusz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIN </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.36 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.70 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ervin Santana </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.02 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.21 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.83 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.05 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Livan Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>FLA </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.02 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.23 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mitch Talbot </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.25 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.15 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.09 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ian Kennedy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIL </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.14 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.95 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0.98 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anibal Sanchez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.06 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.42 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.60 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Oliver Perez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.05 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.61 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3.43 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Paul Maholm </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>STL </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.49 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4.05 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Luke Hochevar </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEX </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5.03 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.62 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.33 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Feldman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5.45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.61 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-3 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7.58 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2.11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Gavin Floyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TOR </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.81 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8.27 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Max Scherzer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CLE </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.56 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-1 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9.00 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Narveson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>L </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.00 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.76 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.75 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kenshin Kawakami </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PHI </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5.47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.48 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>0-4 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.20 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nick Blackburn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>R </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BAL </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2-1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5.79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.62 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1-0 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6.38 </TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f8f8f2; VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1.75 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Rk.: The author's ranking of that pitcher for that day only. T: Pitcher throws left-handed or right-handed. Opp: The pitcher's opponent for the day. Rating: The starting pitcher's matchup rating -- separate from the author's ranking -- which accounts for past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days), opponent and ballpark. Ratings range from 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible matchup, statistically speaking, and 1 representing the worst. 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.




Selected notes:


• Top of the Charts: With a combined record of 14-1 this season, it's hard to argue with any of our top trio, although Tim Lincecum, Adam Wainwright and Ubaldo Jimenez all happen to have career ERAs over 5.00 against their Sunday opponents.


• Given the fact that both the Reds and Astros rank at the bottom of the NL in on-base percentage, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise to see Ryan Dempster and Kevin Correia rounding out our top 5.


• Another Roy Oswalt doormat club, the San Diego Padres are just 2-10 against the Astros starter, who has posted a 2.68 ERA against them over the years. The undefeated A.J. Burnett is 5-2 lifetime against the Boston Red Sox.


• Rounding out the top 10: The sample size is certainly small, but young Mike Leake already has a quality start against the Chicago Cubs under his belt. Dallas Braden on the other hand, just misses out, as he's not only facing James Shields, but also gave up six earned runs in four innings against the Rays earlier this season.


• Middle-of-the-road options: Cole Hamels is a regular Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and against the Atlanta Braves, he's also been up and down, with a 7-4 lifetime mark. Clayton Kershaw has been very shaky of late, and his 4.71 ERA against the Colorado Rockies certainly gives us pause. At least the game isn't at Coors Field. Jon Lester is 3-1 with a 4.19 career ERA against the New York Yankees.


• It's still hard to go all-in with Livan Hernandez, yet given the low rating the stats spit out, the fact he's as high as No. 18 is a testament to his performance so far this season. He's a better play than say, Mitch Talbot, who has already crashed and burned once this year against the Tigers.


• Streamers on alert: Anibal Sanchez is 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA in his career against the Nationals. Scott Feldman has never lost to the Royals and has a 2.48 ERA against them.


• Thanks, but no thanks: Gavin Floyd is 0-4 lifetime against the Blue Jays, with a 7.23 ERA, which is just as unappealing as the erratic Oliver Perez and his 0-5 with a 7.07 ERA against the Giants. Nick Blackburn brings up the rear of our list, thanks to a) being Nick Blackburn and b) sporting an 8.38 ERA against the Orioles.

<CENTER>Hitter matchup ratings for May 9 </CENTER>

<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=4><CENTER>Hitter Ratings </CENTER></TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=2><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom" colSpan=4><CENTER>Hitter Ratings </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Overall <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>LHB </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>RHB </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Steals </CENTER></TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; WIDTH: 5px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 30px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Overall </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>LHB </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>RHB </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 12%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Steals </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle></TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>

</TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Hitter ratings account for the opposing starting pitcher's past history (three years' worth as well as past 21 days) as well as ballpark factors. "LHB" and "RHB" ratings account only for left- and right-handed batters, respectively. "Steals" is a base stealing matchup rating, which accounts for the opponent's catchers' ability to gun down opposing base stealers.



Hitters' count: Sunday


Jorge Cantu, 1B, Marlins: Although Cantu cooled off with an 0-for-12 against the tough Giants, just last week he hit .333 against the Nationals, and that was without the benefit of facing Livan Hernandez, against whom he's a career .300 hitter.


Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies: He's 9-for-20 in the past five wins for Philadelphia, and 2-for-15 in their past four losses, so as Howard goes, so go the Phillies. We expect a victory against Kenshin Kawakami. You do the math.


Craig Counsell, 2B, Brewers: Very quietly, a nine-game hitting streak has raised his average all the way to .340 on the year.


Austin Kearns, OF, Indians: It's still hard to wrap my brain around the .343 batting average, but given his five multiple-hit games already in 2010, we're calling his name today against wild Max Scherzer.


Stephen Drew, SS, Diamondbacks: Drew has nine hits in his last seven games, and hit .308 against the Brewers in 2009.


Ryan Garko, 1B, Rangers: Are we insane? Garko is 0-for-12 in his last three starts, and those don't come every day. Still, he's a .400 hitter against Luke Hochevar with a home run, so maybe today's the day Garko wakes up.


Pitchers' count: Sunday


Jeff Francoeur, OF, Mets: Really, we could have picked several different Mets for today's game against Tim Lincecum, but settled on Francoeur, who is but 2-for-13 lifetime against the Cy Young winner.
Ryan Doumit, C, Pirates: After a 1-for-19 stretch, the last person Doumit wants to see is Adam Wainwright, against whom he's got only a .211 career OBP.


Casey Blake, 3B, Dodgers: Blake recently went 0-for-11 against the Pirates and did only marginally better (2-for-11) against the Brewers. Expect bad things against Ubaldo Jimenez, who has retired Blake nine of 11 times.


Mike Fontenot, 2B, Cubs: In addition to his 0-for-3 against Mike Leake earlier in 2010, he's now splitting time at second base with Jeff Baker. Despite the .296 batting average, he's not the greatest fantasy asset right now.


Torii Hunter, OF, Angels: It's not like I want to pick on the Angels' veterans, but Hunter is three for his last 19 and has seen his slugging percentage drop 60 points in the last week.


Scott Rolen, 3B, Reds: Even though he does have a seven-game hitting streak working, he's only.227 in 27 career at-bats against Ryan Dempster. I think I'll be rolling the dice with someone other than Rolen.

<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f8f8f2"><td valign="top"><nobr>Lyle Overbay, Tor 1B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Toronto Blue Jays</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Overbay is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, MLB.com reports.
Spin:
Randy Ruiz will start at first for Overbay, who hasn't managed to pull his batting average above .200 at any point so far this season. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com also reports that Ruiz will start to see more time at Overbay's expense in the near future.


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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Adrian Gonzalez, SD 1B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>San Diego Padres</nobr>
Day-To-Day</td><td valign="top">Gonzalez is dealing with some soreness in his right shoulder and will get the day off Sunday, the Padres' official site reports.
Spin:
He'll get another day of rest Monday since the Padres have the day off, but it sounds like Gonzalez should be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game in San Francisco.






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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Orlando Hudson, Min 2B</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Minnesota Twins</nobr>
Day-To-Day</td><td valign="top">Hudson is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles due to a sore shoulder, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Spin:
Cabrera denied any injury, but manager Rod Gardenhire decided to play it safe and give him a day of rest.


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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Jason Heyward, Atl OF</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Atlanta Braves</nobr>
Day-To-Day</td><td valign="top">Heyward (groin), who is not in Sunday's lineup, will likely also miss Monday's game in Milwaukee, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Spin:
Heyward's injury has been improving each day, but he hasn't tested it by running yet, which suggests he won't be available Monday.


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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f8f8f2"><td valign="top"><nobr>Joe Mauer, Min C</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Minnesota Twins</nobr>
Day-To-Day</td><td valign="top">As expected, Mauer (heel) is in the lineup as the DH for Sunday's game against Baltimore, Phil Mackey of ESPN Twin Cities reports.
Spin:
Wilson Ramos will start at catcher again, but Mackey suggests a roster move is coming after the game, so expect Ramos to be sent back to Triple-A Rochester and Mauer to be catching the Twins' next game on Tuesday.


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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Matt Holliday, StL OF</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>St. Louis Cardinals</nobr>
Day-To-Day</td><td valign="top">Holliday (groin) is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Spin:
He'll miss his second straight start Sunday, but the Cardinals are hoping additional rest during Monday's off day will allow Holliday to get back in the lineup Tuesday.


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<table class="tableBody" bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="tableBody" bgcolor="#f2f2e8"><td valign="top"><nobr>Alfonso Soriano, ChC OF</nobr>
<nobr>News Archive
</nobr><nobr>Chicago Cubs</nobr>
</td><td valign="top">Soriano is not in Sunday's lineup, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.
Spin:
Tyler Colvin will start in left field. Although the home run binge appears to be over, Soriano has continued to deliver hits over the last week. He should be back in the lineup for Monday's game.


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