FantasyMLBTips

Tips 'n Trends: Thursday's games

HITTERS:

The situations in baseball are what make the game great. The mental aspect of the sport plays such a crucial role that it’s one of the few sports where you can truly help win with the proper managerial decisions. The “matchups within the matchup” is the way I think about. It’s ironic that one pitcher can be so good against lefty hitters and struggle so much against righties, but that’s the way the game works, and that’s why it’s great. For instance in the Arizona/San Francisco game, I recommend starting Justin Upton. Upton should be able to pounce on the soft tossing southpaw, Barry Zito; on the flip side, Eric Byrnes would have made a great “bench” candidate as he’s 3-for-21 against his former Oakland pal… but as you probably already know, he’s on the 15-day DL, so he can’t play… In the Dodgers/Mets games I suggest sitting James Loney as he continues to struggle at the plate. In the last seven days, Loney is 3-for-19 with eight punch-outs. That being said, don’t hesitate to put Juan Pierre in your lineup. Pierre is playing well as of late and is a lifetime .529 hitter against scheduled starter, Claudio Vargas.

PITCHERS:

Thursday brings a lot of interesting matchups consisting of both inexperience and comparable talent. Two upstart pitchers take the mound in Oakland as Dana Eveland and Jesse Litsch square off. I think I’d be foolish to take a side in that one. I recommend starting them both if you own them — the way they’ve been pitching and the way their teams have struggled offensively tells you to do no other… I would sit Kyle Lohse against Houston, as the ‘Stros have found their stroke and have handle Lohse in the past quite well. Plus with their ace, Roy Oswalt, on the hill I look for Houston to put this one in the win column… Similar to Houston, the Chicago Cubs continue to swing their way to victories. The Cubbies will send out another innings eater in Jason Marquis, but Marquis should pitch well enough to earn himself a win against the struggling Colorado Rockies… Out west you have to feel good for Barry Zito. Having lost eight in a row to start the season, the former Cy Young winner finally got a win. Applause and congratulate him on the nice effort, but don’t think about throwing him back in your lineup. Zito is still 1-8 on a bad Giants team and the D’Backs are second in the majors in OPS against lefties. See Jeff Francis’ 2008 stat line at AZ if you need more convincing.

Thursday’s Positive Trends:
Jim Thome  [career against Edwin Jackson]: 3/5, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, .600/.667/1.200
Mark Teixeira [career against Seth McClung]: 4/9, 3 RBI, 5 BB, .444/.643/.444
Juan Pierre  [career against Claudio Vargas]: 9/17, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .529/.529/.882
David Wright  [career against Brad Penny]: 9/17, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 BB, .529/.591/.882
Derrek Lee  [career against Jeff Francis]: 6/6, 3 BB, 1.000/1.000/1.000
Carlos Lee  [career against Kyle Lohse]: 17/46, 6 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, .370/.420/.696
Albert Pujols  [career against Roy Oswalt]: 20/67, 5 2B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 BB, .299/.356/.507
Rich Aurilla  [career against Randy Johnson]: 16/49, 1 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .327/.377/.531 

Thursday’s Negative Trends:
Jack Cust  [career against Jesse Litsch]: 1/6, 2 RBI, 4 K, .167/.167/.167
Orlando Cabrera  [career against Edwin Jackson]: 2/10, 2 RBI, 1 K, .200/.200/.200
Akinora Iwamura  [career against John Danks]: 0/5, 1 BB, 3 K, .000/.167/.000
Jim Edmonds  [career against Jeff Francis]: 1/12, 1 RBI, 5 K, .083/.083/.083
Yadier Molina  [career against Roy Oswalt]: 1/10, 2 K, .100/.100/.100

Tips 'n Trends: Tuesday's games

HITTERS:

The three players I advise benching today are a combined 5-for-40 against their scheduled pitchers. These guys haven’t just had bad luck; they have flat out been brutal. Bobby Abreu is still hitless against Baltimore’s Brian Burres after 10 at-bats. Adam Dunn and Omar Vizquel each have two hits in twenty at-bats against their respective starters. When Dunn faces Ian Snell and Vizquel faces Dan Haren, things haven’t looked good. While Dunn has a chance to turn things around given his recent hot streak and Snell’s cold streak, don’t expect much from Vizquel… Meanwhile, make sure Torii Hunter is in your lineup. Hunter is 14-for-30 against Jeremy Bonderman and should continue to excel… I was going to give plug for Gary Sheffield, who’s a .500 hitter in a limited number of at-bats against Ervin Santana, but Sheffield is doubtful for today’s game with oblique spasms, so plan to keep him on your bench… After Memorial Day is the perfect time to separate yourself from the pack — so kick it in to high gear, be smart, and make the correct moves.

PITCHERS:

I think everyone still remembers Johnny Cueto’s first start of the year where he flirted with a no-hitter against the Diamondbacks. Since that start however, he has not been very efficient; in fact, fellow rookie teammate, Edinson Volquez, has by far been the better pitcher despite being treated like a second born child during Cueto’s hot start. The way Cueto is pitching now warrants a possible drop from your team… or at least a “bench” versus Pittsburgh until he proves to be closer to what we all realistically hoped for coming out of Spring Training... Miguel Batista is another starter who has not been on their “A” game. With an ERA over six and a WHIP close to two, Batista should not even cross your mind as a good spot start, especially when facing a lineup like Boston’s and being opposed by 8-0, Daisuke Matsuzaka… Especially with Sheffield’s likely absence, you’ve got to play Santana against a Tigers’ offense that hasn’t fully awoken. Santana has pitched well all year, and at home he’s a lock… A.J. Burnett seems to be finding his groove and looks to be on his way to a solid year if he can stay healthy. Make sure Burnett is in your lineup as he faces the Oakland A’s… If you’re itching to play the spot-starting game tonight, think about starting Brian Bannister. Call me crazy, but I like the matchup against Nick Blackburn and the Twinkies. Bannister has not pitched well recently, but I feel he’s capable of turning it around —and a good time to do so would be against the offensively-challenged Twins.

Tuesday’s Positive Trends:
Hideki Matsui  [career against Brian Burres]: 4/11, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, .364/.462/.909
Torii Hunter  [career against Jeremy Bonderman]: 14/30, 5 2B, 1 3B, 6 RBI, .467/.469/.700
Gary Sheffield [career against Ervin Santana]: 6/12, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .500/.600/.750
Manny Ramirez  [career against Miguel Batista]: 9/22, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .409/.440/.773
Mike Cameron  [career against Tim Hudson]: 15/54, 5 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 11 BB, .278/.400/.407 

Tuesday’s Negative Trends:
Bobby Abreu  [career against Brian Burres]: 0/10, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K, .000/.091/.000
Grady Sizemore [career against Mark Buerhle]: 10/46, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 7 K, .217/.265/.457
Jhonny Peralta [career against Mark Buerhle]: 9/41, 2 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, .220/.273/.341
Brandon Inge  [career against Ervin Santana]: 2/13, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 8 K, .154//.154/.231
Alex Rios  [career against Greg Smith]: 0/3, 3 K, .000/.000/.000
Ichiro Suzuki  [career against Daisuke Matsuzaka]: 1/12, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K, .083/.214/.083
Adam Dunn  [career against Ian Snell]: 2/20, 1 2B,1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K, .100/.250/.300
Chris B. Young [career against Tim Lincecum]: 0/6, 3 K, .000/.000/.000
Omar Vizquel  [career against Dan Haren]: 2/20, 5 K, .100/.100/.100
Ronnie Belliard  [career against Randy Wolf]: 1/20, 2 BB, 4 K, .050/.136/.050

Tips 'n Trends: Wednesday's games

HITTERS:

Imagine you’re a hitter in a massive slump. You’ve watched the tape over and over again, spending countless hours in the clubhouse rewinding the footage of your atrocious at-bats. It feels like every adjustment you make just doesn’t seem to matter. Then you look behind and you see Casey Blake, and you feel better — because he’s in for a tougher day than even you. You see, the Indians third baseman has had 22 career at-bats versus Javier Vazquez, and he’s whiffed in 11 of them. If you have Casey on your fantasy team, now is not the time for him… Neither is it the time for Orlando Cabrera, as the “O.C.” has struggled against Indians scheduled starter, Paul Byrd. Cabrera is 3-for-27 lifetime against Byrd, so you should weigh your other options at shortstop… But for Raul Ibanez, he doesn’t need any game footage to do well against Kenny Rogers. Even though he doesn’t have as much pop in his bat against southpaws, give Ibanez a piece of lumber against Rogers and he’ll do just fine. Ibanez is 10-for-33 when facing the Tigers’ southpaw and should be in your lineup as the 43-year-old Rogers has been struggling... Also make sure Gary Sheffield and Paul Konerko are penciled in as well. I know both have been a bit inconsistent this year, and are playing nowhere near the level of years past,  but today is a day you definitely need to find a spot for them. Sheffield is a lifetime .421 hitter versus Jarrod Washburn and Konerko has 11 hits in only 32 at-bats when facing Byrd. If you need some extra pop, don’t hesitate to go with Sheff and Paulie.

PITCHERS:

Making his first start of the year for the Boston Red Sox is former Angels’ ace, Bartolo Colon. But do not be fooled by the “ace” title. He’s not the pitcher that won the American League Cy Young Award in 2005. He’s older, fatter, and not nearly as dominant as he was. I’d say avoid Colon completely until he can prove he can stay healthy and pitch effectively — but I don’t expect that to happen anytime soon... Ian Snell is another pitcher who needs to be a bit more effective before I can recommend trotting him out there on regular basis. I had high hopes for the Pittsburgh ace, but he’s failed to live up to expectations thus far this year. While Snell can usually be accounted for at least piling up the punch outs, he hasn’t done that this year. Sit Snell until further notice...Meanwhile, it’s amazing that Shawn Chacon has made nine starts this year and is still decision-less. I say Chacon gets out of that funk on Wednesday — but unfortunately for him, and fantasy owners — it’s going to bein the form of a loss. The Cubbies aren’t the easiest lineup to deal with in the NL, and I don’t see Chacon having the stuff to match up… As surprising as the Cardinals have played so far, I’m even more surprised on how poorly the Padres have been. The Padres simply cannot muster any offense this season, and they are really struggling right now. If I own Braden Looper, I’m playing him against San Diego and hoping that the St. Louis offense can give him two-to-three runs, because that’s all it will take to beat the Friars… Another pitcher to play is Jonathan Sanchez versus Colorado. Sanchez, who can rack up the K’s, has had success against the defending National League champs. Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, and Garrett Atkins are a combined 4-for-25 with eight strikeouts against Sanchez. Plug in Sanchez and look for a win with at least five K’s.

Wednesday’s Positive Trends:
David DeJesus [career against Bartolo Colon]: 8/25, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, .320/.370/.640
Alex Cora  [career against Brett Tomko]: 11/32, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBI, .344/.417/.438
Raul Ibanez  [career against Kenny Rogers]: 10/33, 4 2B, 4 RBI, 4 BB, .303/.378/.424
Ivan Rodriguez [career against Jarrod Washburn]: 15/36, 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .417/.447/.778
Gary Sheffield [career against Jarrod Washburn]: 8/19, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .421/.522/.789
Marco Scutaro  [career against Jon Garland]: 10/16, 2 2B, .625/.647/.750
Paul Konerko [career against Paul Byrd]: 11/32, 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .344/.364/.500 

Brian McCann  [career against Mike Pelfrey]: 5/9, 3 2B, 1 RBI, .556/.600/.889
Xavier Nady [career against Ben Sheets]: 7/13, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, ..538/.500/1.154
Prince Fielder [career against Ian Snell]: 6/12, 2 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB, .500/.538/.917
Aramis Ramirez [career against Shawn Chacon]: 10/17, 4 2B, 5 HR, 13 RBI, .588/.600/1.706 

Wednesday’s Negative Trends:
Adrian Beltre  [career against Kenny Rogers]: 3/21, 1 RBI, 5 BB, 1 K, .143/.333/.143
Magglio Ordonez [career against Jarrod Washburn]: 5/34, 1 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .147/.194/.353
Casey Blake  [career against Javier Vazquez]: 5/22, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 11 K, .227/.346/.273
Grady Sizemore [career against Javier Vazquez]: 7/27, 2 2B, 2 3B, 4 BB, 10 K, .259/.394/.481
Orlando Cabrera [career against Paul Byrd]: 3/27, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K, .111/.143/.111 

Todd Helton  [career against Jonathan Sanchez]: 2/11, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 4 K, .182/.250/.273
Matt Holliday  [career against Jonathan Sanchez]: 0/7, 1 BB, 3 K, .000/.125/.000
Rickie Weeks  [career against Ian Snell]: 0/4, 4 K, .000/.000/.000
Ryan Zimmerman [career against Jamie Moyer]: 1/11, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K, .091/.231.182
Brian Giles  [career against Braden Looper]: 1/11, 3 BB, 4 K, .091/.286/.091

Tips 'n Trends: Monday's games

HITTERS:

With only eight games on Monday, you can’t be too selective with whom you start or sit — but if you own Ryan Zimmerman, he’s a must-start for your squad. Zimm boasts a whopping 12 RBI in 22 at-bats against Brett Myers, and with Myers looking as lost as ever, Zimmerman should continue to rake... Juan Pierre should be given the start from Joe Torre when the Dodgers begin their series against the Cincinnati Reds. Pierre is a .391 hitter against Bronson Arroyo and should be in your lineup — especially if you could use some stolen bases…  Consider alternative options at shortstop if you own Jason Bartlett or Miguel Tejada. Bartlett only has two hits in 12 at-bats versus scheduled starter, Joe Blanton. Meanwhile, Tejada is tougher to bench, and you really shouldn’t unless you have a somewhat solid option to put in his place. Just know that Tejada is 3-for-24 when facing Cubs lefty, Ted Lilly… It might be a tough day to play the matchups with the limited number of games, but if you see you have a chance to play the trends to your advantage, don’t hesitate to make the move.

PITCHERS: 

Tejada isn’t the only Astro with bad numbers against Ted Lilly. The Astros have a combined .184 batting average against Lilly, who has won his last three outings. Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman, and Carlos Lee are a combined 7-for-51, which isn’t the greatest trip through the heart of the Houston lineup. Make sure Lilly is in your lineup, and then sit back and enjoy… As the season goes on, I’m gradually gaining  confidence in Jon Lester, as he’s becoming more and more of an attractive option. Lester has the run support on his side and has been pitching extremely well. With the BoSox facing Kansas City, make sure Lester gets the nod for your team. .. Until Brett Myers fixes whatever is wrong with him, it’s probably better to just bench him. His fastball has lost velocity and he’s giving up home runs at an alarming rate. Even against the Washington Nationals, I don’t trust Myers to pitch well enough for the win… Same thing goes for Bronson Arroyo. We still remember Arroyo’s success when he came over from Boston, but it’s been a rough year for Bronson and I don’t know if I’m ready to trust him as a most-every-week starter. His last two outings have been great, so it should be interesting to see if he can keep turning the corner in a night game against the Dodgers … Meanwhile, Todd Wellemeyer’s mathup just got a whole lot better after news came out about Jake Peavy’s elbow being unusually sore — thus causing the reigning National League Cy Young champ to miss this start.
 

Monday’s Positive Trends:
Jim Edmonds [career against Brian Moehler]: 11/32, 4 2B, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 4BB, 6 K, .344/.417/.938
Ryan Zimmerman [career against Brett Myers]: 9/22, 3 2B,1 3B, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K .409/.440/.773
Geoff Jenkins  [career against Tim Redding]: 9/17, 3 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .529/.600/.882
Pedro Feliz  [career against Tim Redding]: 5/11, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .455/.455/.818
Jose Castillo  [career againts Jorge DeLaRosa]: 2/3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .667/.667/2.667
Juan Pierre  [career against Bronson Arroyo]: 9/23, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 K, .391/.391/.522 

Monday’s Negative Trends:
Jose Guillen [career against Jon Lester]: 0/5, 1 BB, 1 K, .000/.167/.000
Emil Brown  [career against James Shields]: 0/6, 3 K, .000/.000/.000
Jason Bartlett [career against Joe Blanton]: 2/12, 3 K,.167/.167/.167
Eric Hinske  [career against Joe Blanton]: 1/15, 1 2B,2K .067/.067/.133 

Miguel Tejada  [career against Ted Lilly]: 3/24, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 6 K, .125/.250/.167
Jimmy Rollins  [career against Tim Redding] 4/21, 3 RBI, 6 K, .190/.227/.190
 

 

Tips 'n Trends: Friday's games

HITTERS:

Interleague play starts on Friday, which means different places and new faces for many people. It will be first times for players in certain cities to see certain stars they usually don’t get the chance to face. I think this might be there year that the National League dominates, unlike previous years. Luis Gonzalez has an old friend, Brett Tomko, coming to South Beach, but Luis is a bit more happy for Tomko’s temporary return to the National League . Gonzo is 15-for-34 with three bombs in his career versus the Kansas City veteran. Omar Vizquel is off the DL and looks like he’s in game shape. If you’re looking for some shortstop help — Jeff Keppinger and  Rafael Furcal owners— Vizquel might be the perfect replacement for the time being. He won’t hit many balls out of the park these days, but he’s still quick enough to steal a base for you. Lyle Overbay deserves starting consideration on Friday as he’s facing the Phillies’ Jamie Moyer. In a limited number of at-bats, Overbay is hitting .500 against the crafty lefty. With Johan Santana on the mound Friday, I would strongly consider benching Bobby Abreu and Johnny Damon. It could be a long day at the park for these two Yankee boppers. Alex Gordon has shown flashes this year of what everyone expected last year, and at some point everything will all click for him and he’ll  be a perennial All-Star candidate. But as of right now, he’s still struggling against lefties, and I would bench him against a maturing Scott Olsen. All of Gordon’s fiver homers this year are off right-handed pitchers, and he’s hitting just .178 versus southpaws.

PITCHERS:

I think interleague gives a strong advantage to the pitchers. When a hitter is up there guessing against a guy they have never faced before, it’s usually in the pitcher’s favor. Jonathan Sanchez will face the White Sox for the first time and the Chi Sox could struggle. Sanchez, who can rack up the punch outs, pitches much better at home. While he has an ugly 9.45 ERA on the road, he has a stellar 2.79 ERA at home.  Start Sanchez and expect no less than six innings and six K’s. Another young stud to roll with while he’s in the groove is Joe Saunders. Saunders will face an inconsistent and lackluster Dodgers team and should be able to pick up win number seven. Meanwhile, be cautious with some of Friday’s pitchers who’ve been around the league for a while. Jeff Suppan strolls in to Fenway Park, where he’s never pitched well. Suppan is 7-9 with an ERA over 6 in Boston, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are a combined 16-for-48 (.330) with four homers, and 11 RBI off of the former Red Sox draft pick. This also might be the time that being around for 20 years come back to hurt Jamie Moyer. Moyer will face a Toronto line up that has seen plenty of him. The team is currently hitting .325 versus the ancient southpaw, and they’re not  likely to be fooled by his off speed junk tomorrow.

Friday’s Positive Trends:
Derrek Lee  [career against Tom Gorzelanny]: 7/12, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, .583/.643/1.250
Brian Giles  [career against Miguel Batista]: 9/28, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 2K, .321/.424/.500
Luis Gonzalez  [career against Brett Tomko]: 15/34, 4 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 8 BB, 4 K, .441/.548/.824
Omar Vizqeul  [career against Gavin Floyd]: 2/3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .667/.667/1.667 

Manny Ramirez  [career against Jeff Suppan]: 7/21, 1 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K, .333/.440/.810
Michael Young  [career against Shawn Chacon]: 5/11, 2 RBI, BB, .455/.500/.455
Ichiro Suzuki  [career against Chris Young]: 8/20, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 6 SB, .400/.478/.750
Alex Rios  [career against Jamie Moyer]: 7/16, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, .438/.500/.938
Lyle Overbay  [career against Jamie Moyer]: 5/10, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 K, .500/.500/1.100
Placido Polanco [career against Dan Haren]: 8/19, 1 2B, 4 RBI, .421/.421/.474 

Friday’s Negative Trends:
Aramis Ramirez [career against Tom Gorzelanny]: 2/14, 2 BB, 4 K, .143/.250/.143
Alfonso Soriano [career against Tom Gorzelanny]: 2/14, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 6 K, .143/.143/.357
Orlando Hudson [career against Jeremy Bonderman]: 0/8, 1 BB, 2 K, .000/.111/.000 

Cliff Floyd  [career against Braden Looper]: 1/8, 1 BB, .125/.222/.125
Mike Lowell [career against Jeff Suppan]: 0/11, 1 K, .000/.000/.000
Johnny Damon  [career against Johan Santana]: 5/24, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 6 K, .208/.200/.333
Raul Ibanez  [career against Chris Young]: 3/20, 1 RBI, 3 K, .150/.150/.150

Tips n' Trends: Wednesday's games

HITTERS:

When you’re hot, you’re hot. Groundouts find holes, bloopers fall, and your fantasy teams keep climbing in the standings even after a ho-hum day . Emil Brown has led the Oakland A’s to a surprising first place in the American League West. Brown’s 33 RBI is good for fourth best in the majors and the upstart Oakland outfielder should land a spot on your fantasy roster if you’re seeking outfield help. Brown is a career.370 hitter against C.C. Sabathia and should continue to pad to his RBI total on Wednesday. A player who frequently gets lost in the mix of overhyped speedsters is Randy Winn. The veteran won’t win a SB crown, but he gets a valuable number of swipes every year and has been a model of consistency for the last several years. Winn will face Brian Moehler on Wednesday, and he’s feasted on  Moehler in the past. Winn is 12-for-21 (.571 BA) against the well-traveled hurler. Another hitter to make sure you have in your lineup is Hideki Matsui. Godzilla has terrorized James Shields in limited at-bats against the right-hander. In ten at-bats, Matsui has three home runs and .600 batting average.  Yesterday I said to play Eric Hinske today, but for Wednesday I’m recommending that you sit him. In the real world he’s not an everyday player and the same goes for fantasy. Hinske has never hit well against Mike Mussina (4-for-31, 12 K) and I see those struggles continuing versus Moose. Kelly Johnson might also need to take a seat as well. When facing scheduled starter, Brett Myers, the Braves second baseman is 0-for-12, striking out in half of those at-bats.

PITCHERS:

When a pitcher makes his first start off of the DL, I’m always a bit leery of starting him. Will he be 100 percent? Does his manager have him on a low pitch count? These questions are definitely elements to take into account, but with John Lackey returning from the DL to face the White Sox on Wednesday, I’m not the least bit worried. The Angels would not let their ace come back unless he’s 100 percent, and I see Lackey picking up right where he left off last year. Speaking of pitchers looking to pick up where they left off, Justin Verlander has a road game versus the Royals . The Detroit ace has not had the velocity of past years and it shows in his 1-6 record. I do have all the confidence in the world in the big righty, and I still recommend keeping him in your lineup for almost every start. A couple of low-end fantasy pitchers who usually might entice you because of their high strike out rates are Boof Bonser and Ted Lilly. Both Lilly and Bonser are known to strike out their fair share of hitters, but I suggest sitting them on Wednesday. Both pitchers have struggled to get their ERA under 5 for the year, and they’re matched up against Cy Young winners, Roy Halladay and Jake Peavy. One pitcher who needs a solid outing in order to avoid being cut from fantasy teams (if he’s not already cut in your league) is Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo’s 7.14 ERA and 1.71 WHIP aren’t going to cut it. Stay away from Bronson in a matchup against the hot Marlins bats.

Wednesday’s Positive Trends:
Michael Young  [career against Carlos Silva]: 9/29, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .310/.355/.483
Alex Cora  [career against Daniel Cabrera]: 11/20, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .550/.550/.850
Mike Lowell [career against Daniel Cabrera]: 5/10, 1 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .500/.571/.900
Emil Brown  [career against C.C. Sabathia]: 17/46, 3 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K, .370/.396/.500
Jhonny Peralta [career against Joe Blanton]: 8/20, 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI, .400/.429/.750
Hideki Matsui  [career against James Shields]: 6/10, 1 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, .600/.636/1.600
Billy Butler  [career against Justin Verlander]: 5/11, 1 2B, 1HR, 2 RBI, .455/.500/.818
Garret Anderson [career against Jose Contreras]: 10/20, 2 2B, 4 RBI, .500/.524/.600 

Jimmy Rollins  [career against Tom Glavine]: 28/75, 9 2B, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 2 SB, .373/.434/.760
Randy Winn  [career against Brian Moehler]: 12/21, 4 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, .571/.591/.857

Wednesday’s Negative Trends:
Jason Varitek  [career against Daniel Cabrera]: 3/15, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K, .200/.333/.267
Casey Blake  [career against Joe Blanton]: 1/14, 1 BB, 4 K, .071/.133/.071
Eric Hinske  [career against Mike Mussina]: 4/31, 1 RBI, 5 BB, 12 K, .129/.270/.129
Mark Teahan  [career against Justin Verlander]: 3/17, 2 2B, 4 BB, 7 K, .176/.333/.294
Nick Swisher  [career against John Lackey ]: 4/34, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 6 BB, 14 K, .118/.286/.147 

Carlos Ruiz  [career against Tom Glavine]: 0/13, 1 BB, 1 K, .000/.071/.000
Kelly Johnson [career against Brett Myers]: 0/12, 1 BB, 6 K, .000/.077/.000
Mike Cameron [career against Derek Lowe]: 4/27, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K, .148/.233/.296

 

Tips n' Trends: Tuesday's games

HITTERS:

I hope everyone had a nice weekend treating their mother like royalty, but now it’s time to get back to business. By mid-May you should have a good feel about your fantasy team, and the direction it’s going. Everyday you should be thinking of ways to improve it. Here are some hitters to have in your lineup on Tuesday, and some hitters who you might want to stay away from. Conor Jackson has been a pleasant surprise this year and is a big reason the D’Backs are off to such a great start. Co Jack is 10-for-29 with four long balls against Jeff Francis, so if the Arizona first baseman isn’t starting already for you, make sure he is for this game. Another player who is quietly putting together a solid ’08 campaign is Eric Hinske. Hinske already has seven homers this year, more than he had all of last year. Hinkse has had success against Yankees ace, Chien-Ming Wang, and I would play the former rookie of the year if you are in need of some extra pop in your lineup. However, I would think twice about Ryan Zimmerman, Todd Helton, and Nick Swisher. Zimm will do battle with John Maine and he only has three hits in 22 at-bats versus the Mets’ righty. Swisher, who has been terrible as of late, will have a tough time breaking out of his brutal slump when Sox face the Halos on Tuesday. Keep Swisher on the bench until further notice. Meanwhile, Helton faces the Big Unit and has really struggled in his career against the 6’10 lefty. Helton is only a .238 hitter versus the future hall-of-famer, and that’s way below his .330 career batting average.

PTCHERS:

I still find it mindboggling that a pitcher can be such a completely different pitcher when he’s at home versus when he’s away. Example: Brad Penny. Over the last three years, Penny is 22-8 in Hollywood, yet barely over .500 on the road. After last week’s debacle, I suggest sitting Penny when he goes to Milwaukee to face the big brew crew sluggers. Also sit Jeff Francis on the road against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Not so much because he’s a better home pitcher than on the road, but more so because the D’backs have simply feasted on the lefty in the past. One pitcher who many owners had on their sleeper list at the beginning of the year is Zack Grienke, and he’s done nothing but reward owners who took a chance on him. Grienke is 4-1 with an outstanding 1.02 WHIP, which means the Royals sensation isn’t walking many hitters. The key to the Detroit offense is walks. If they don’t walk and get runners on base for Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera to drive in, they are going to struggle offensively. Look for Grienke’s command to tame the Tigers on Tuesday. Also plug in John Maine back into your lineup. Maine’s last start was excellent, as he kept the walks to a minimum, and he should post another quality start against the Washington Nationals. Another young starter, who has all the potential in the world if he can just limit his walks, is Jered Weaver. Weaver faces a Chicago White Sox team that is hitting just .200 versus the Angels’ righty.

Tuesday’s Positive Trends:
Derek Jeter  [career against Edwin Jackson]: 5/13, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K, .385/.500/.615
Carl Crawford  [career against Chien-Ming Wang]: 10/34, 3 2B, 2 3B, 3 SB, 3 RBI, .294/.333/.500
Eric Hinske  [career against Chien-Ming Wang]: 12/27, 5 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .444/.483/.852
Michael Young  [career against Felix Hernandez]: 9/30, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 2 K, .300/.344/.467
Ichiro Suzuki  [career against Kason Gabbard]: 5/8, 2 RBI, 3 K, .625/.625/.625
Jose Guillen  [career against Nate Robertson]: 6/13, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .462/.462/.923
Ivan Rodriguez [career against Zack Greinke]: 8/21, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .381/.381/.524 

Brandon Phillips [career against Mark Hendrickson]: 7/11, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .636/.636/1.182
Jose Reyes [career against John Lannan]: 4/6, 1 2B, 1 SB, .667/.667/.833
Rickie Weeks [career against Brad Penny]: 3/7, 2 2B, 1 BB, .429/.500/.714
Aramis Ramirez [career against Shawn Estes]: 8/13, 2 HR, 3RBI, .615/.643/1.077
Brian Giles [career against Jon Lieber]: 13/35, 1 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .371/.463/.600
Conor Jackson [career against Jeff Francis]: 10/29, 2 2B, 4 HR, 3 BB, 3 K, .345/.394/.828
Justin Upton [career against Jeff Francis]: 4/9 2 HR, 3 RBI, .444/.444/1.111 

Tuesday’s Negative Trends:
Aubrey Huff  [career against Josh Beckett]: 5/21, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 7 K, .238/.273/.286
Kevin Millar  [career against Josh Beckett]: 2/11, 1 2B, 3 RBI, .182/.182/.273
Julio Lugo  [career against Jeremy Guthrie]: 0/7, 1 K, .000/.000/.000
Bobby Abreu  [career against Edwin Jackson]: 1/13, 2 RBI, .077/.250/.077
Johnny Damon  [career against Edwin Jackson]: 0/11, 3 BB, 2 K, .000/.214/.000
Josh Hamilton  [career against Felix Hernandez]: 0/5, 1 BB, 3 K, .000/.167/.000
Magglio Ordonez [career against Zack Greinke]: 3/18, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 4 K, .167/.167/.222
Torii Hunter  [career against John Danks]: 0/8, 1 BB, 2K, .000/.111/.000
Nick Swisher  [career against Jered Weaver ]: 2/15, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 K, .133/.133/.333 

Ryan Zimmerman [career against John Maine]: 3/22, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 K, .136/.130/.227
Jason Bay  [career against Kyle Lohse]: 1/10, 1 3B, 1 BB, 3 K, .100/.182.300
Todd Helton  [career against Randy Johnson]: 10/42, 4 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 9 K, .238/.273/.333
Jose Castillo  [career against Brandon Backe]: 0/9, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K, .000/.091/.000

Tips n' Trends: Friday's games

HITTERS:

A beneficial tool when scouting the free agent pool is sorting their stats by the last seven days. If I’m going to pick up a hitter, I like to see what they’ve done lately. Of course there is more that goes into adding and dropping players, but the “last seven days” stats are a good place to start. A few hitters to get in your lineup are Dustin Pedroia, Brian Giles, and Raul Ibanez — they’ve all been doing well recently. The defending Rookie of the Year is hitting .310 over his last seven games and faces Boof Bonser, whom he’s had success against in limited action. Meanwhile, the leadoff hitter for the Padres is hitting .317 in his last seven games, and is 14-for-33 (.424 BA) against Colorado’s scheduled starter, Aaron Cook. Seattle’s Raul Ibanez is also hitting over .300 over the last week, and he has nice matchup in a night game at home. Ibanez is 7-for-12 with a homerun off Jose Contreras, so make sure that he’s in your lineup. A hitter this year that has been anything but hot is Delmon Young. I think the expectations have been a bit much for the kid too handle, and Young just doesn’t seem comfortable at the plate, as he’s hitting only .256 without a home run this year. Young faces Jon Lester, and is only 1-for 10 lifetime versus the Boston lefty. When Jeff Francouer faces Ian Snell and the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Atlanta slugger never seems to go home happy. In his career versus Snell, Francoeur is 3-for-14 with seven punch outs. If you have another option I would think about benching Francouer. Heck, maybe you could replace him with Brian Giles.

PITCHERS:

A 6.27 ERA is not something we are accustomed to seeing next to Kenny Rogers’ name, but that’s the case this year. The veteran just doesn’t seem to have his control. Rogers’ job doesn’t get any easier when the Yanks roll into town, as the Yankee hitter have had their way in the past against him. If you have Rogers on your team, you probably shouldn’t just bench him; it’s time to part ways and dip into free agency for someone who’s a bit more consistent and effective. Speaking of not being consistent and effective, I bring to your attention Gil Meche. The $55 million dollar man has pitched pretty poorly this year and faces a Baltimore team that has hit him hard in the past. If you’re the Royals right now you have to be hitting your head. Or they should keep telling themselves: at least we didn’t sign Barry Zito. Another pitcher to sit on Friday would be Carlos Silva. Silva has been somewhat decent this year, but his last time out against the Yankees was brutal, and he’s up against a Chicago team that has a .374 batting average against him. Let me say it in an alliteration: sit Silva and smile when he struggles. Two starters you should hand the ball over to are James Shields and Todd Wellemeyer. Shields faces an Angels team that has struggled with Shields in the past. I think Shields should probably be in your lineup every turn out, but definitely make sure of it today. How about former reliever turned starter, Todd Wellemeyer? Dave Duncan and Tony LaRussa are making this look easy. Wellemeyer is 3-1 and faces a Milwaukee squad that has lost five in a row. Plus he goes against Manny Parra, who has been struggling and hasn’t lived up to pre-season expectations. As the Brew Crew continues to sulk about the loss of Yovani Gallardo, the Cards will continue to beat up on them and stay atop the NL Central.

Friday’s Positive Trends:
Rod Barajas  [career against C.C. Sabathia]: 6/14, 3 HR, 4 RBI, .429/.429/1.071
Johnny Damon  [career against Kenny Rogers]: 16/53, 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .302/.373/.434
Jason Giambi  [career against Kenny Rogers]: 10/25, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 BB, 2 K, .400/.545/.920
Eric Hinkse  [career against Jon Garland]: 12/32, 3 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .375/.364/.656
Michael Young  [career against Chad Gaudin]: 11/21, 3 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .524/.600/.810
Brian Roberts  [career against Gil Meche]: 13/30, 4 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB, .433/.500/.667
Mark Grudzielanek [career against Steve Traschel]: 16/41, 6 2B, 3 RBI, .390/.432/.537
David Ortiz  [career against Boof Bonser]: 5/6, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .833/.833/2.000
Dustin Pedroia [career against Boof Bonser]: 4/6, 1 RBI, .667/.667/.667
Raul Ibanez  [career against Jose Contreras]: 7/12, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .583/.615/.833
Juan Uribe  [career against Carlos Silva]: 19/37, 1 2B, 5 HR, 10 RBI, .514/.514/.946
Orlando Cabrera  [career against Carlos Silva]: 12/24, 4 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .500/.500/.792 

Alfonso Soriano [career against Dan Haren]: 5/13, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB, .385/.385/1.000
Jason Bay  [career against Tom Glavine]: 7/19, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .368/.429/.737
Adam LaRoche  [career against Tom Glavine]: 6/10, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 RBI, .600/.714/1.100
Brian McCann  [career against Ian Snell]: 7/12, 1 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .583/.583/1.417
Yunel Escobar  [career against Ian Snell]: 3/3, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 1.000/1.000/1.667
Todd Helton  [career against Jake Peavy]: 13/41, 6 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI, .317/.356/.683
Brian Giles  [career against Aaron Cook]: 14/33, 3 2B, .424/.441/.515
Jim Edmonds [career against Aaron Cook]: 7/13, 1 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .538/.600/1.077
Carlos Lee  [against Derek Lowe]: 10/28, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .357/.357/.643 

Friday’s Negative Trends:
Travis Hafner  [career against Roy Halladay]: 2/12, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K, .167/.286/.250
Carl Crawford  [career against Jon Garland]: 1/14, 0 BB, 2 K, .071/.133/.071
Vernon Wells  [career against James Shields]: 2/12, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .167/.167/.500
Delmon Young  [career against Jon Lester]: 1/10, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K, .100/.167/.100 

Jeff Francouer [career against Ian Snell]: 3/14, 1 2B, 2BB, 7 K, .214/.313/.286
Jose Reyes  [career against Matt Belisle]: 1/8, 0 BB, 1 K, .125/.125/.125
Ryan Zimmerman [career against Ricky Nolasco]: 2/11, 1 RBI, 4 K, .182/.167/.273
Randy Winn  [career against Cole Hamels]: 1/11, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K, .091/.091/.182
Bengie Molina  [career against Cole Hamels]: 0/6, 1 RBI, 1 K, .000/.000/.000
Lance Berkman  [career against Derek Lowe]: 4/18, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 3 K, .222/.300/.278

Tips n' Trends: Wednesday's games

HITTERS:

The Dodgers continue their series versus the New York Mets on Wednesday and it’s the marquis matchup of the three game set. But don’t fret for a second if you have Rafael Furcal. Furcal is 5-for-9 in his limited at bats versus scheduled starter, John Maine. With the way the LA shortstop has been swinging the bat this year, he should be in your lineup everyday, but Wednesday is a definite must. Mike Jacobs is also coming close to being a clear cut, everyday fantasy player. The Marlins’ first basemen has eight homers so far this year and he faces Dave Bush, who is making his first start since being promoted back to the bigs. Another bat that should supply enough offense for two people is Torii Hunter. The Halos’ center fielder is 6-for-19 with a couple of bombs against Kansas City slinger, Zack Grienke. Look for Hunter to lead the Angels in their offensive attack. A hitter that I said to start on Monday, Michael Young — who went 2-for-4, with a double and run scored — should probably be benched if you have a solid backup option. Young faces Erik Bedard on Wednesday and only has two hits in twenty at-bats against the hard throwing lefty. Also leave Austin Kearns on your bench Wednesday if you own him. Kearns and the Nats will be opposed by Roy Oswalt, and Oswalt has had Kearns’ number in the past. Kearns is 6-for-32 with 11 K’s versus the Stros’ ace. It could be a long night at the ballpark for Kearns and the Washington hitters.

PITCHERS:

I’m going to keep rolling with the Toronto Blue Jays staff and trot out Shaun Marcum. Not only have the starters for the Jays pitched well, but the bullpen has also been lights out. If Toronto can muster any kind of offense in the upcoming week, they could find themselves at the top of the East and fighting for a playoff spot. I would say start Marcum against Matt Garza and the Rays. Another pitcher to start is Jon Lieber. Call me crazy, but Leiber is 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA for the Cubs this year. Lieber will throw strikes and has the offense to back him up. He won’t overpower the Reds, but he should pitch well enough to be in line for the win. Opposing the veteran is the Cincy youngster, Edinson Volquez. Volquez, who just continues to rack up the strikeouts and wins, will face his biggest test of the year. It will be the second time the Cubs see the Dominican Dandy and I think Edinson will struggle. It might be a good day to sit Volquez if you have him on your team and you’re monitoring your team’s innings. Two veterans to sit are Mark Buehrle and Vincente Padilla. Buerhle takes on the division rival Twins and Padilla faces the Seattle Mariners. Both the Twinkies and the M’s have lifetime batting averages over .325 against their opposing pitchers. 

Wednesday’s Positive Trends:
Melvin Mora  [career against Joe Blanton]: 5/11, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .455/.455/1.091
Nick Markakis  [career against Joe Blanton: 4/9, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .444/.500/.778
Derek Jeter  [career against Cliff Lee]: 8/17, 3 2B, 4 RBI, .471/.526/.647
John McDonald  [career against Matt Garza]: 2/2, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1.000/1.000/2.500
Jose Guillen  [career against Jered Weaver]: 6/16, 2 2B, 4 RBI, .375/.375/.500
Torii Hunter  [career against Zack Greinke]: 6/19, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .316/.350/.737
Orlando Cabrera [career against Livan Hernandez]: 10/22, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 SB, .455/.500/.591
Jim Thome  [career against Livan Hernandez]: 6/19, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 7 K, .316/.381/.526
Michael Cuddyer [career against Mark Buerhle]: 20/63, 6 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 14 K, .317/.348/.508
Ichiro Suzuki  [career against Vincente Padilla]: 15/26, 1 HR, .577/.607/.769
Adrian Beltre  [career against Vincente Padilla]: 6/27, 4 HR, 13 RBI, .222/.300/.667 

Adam Dunn  [career against Jon Lieber]: 9/27, 3 2B, 2 2B, 6 RBI, .333/.357/.667
Rafael Furcal [career against John Maine]: 5/9, 1 2B, 1 HR, .556/.600/1.000
David Wright [career against Brad Penny]: 9/14, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .643/.684/1.071
Moises Alou  [career against Brad Penny]: 10/24, 2 2B, .417/.440/.500
Chipper Jones [career against Randy Wolf]: 13/40, 4 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .325/.451/.650
Adrian Gonzalez [career against Tim Hudson]: 5/8, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .625/.625/1.375
Michael Jacobs [career against Dave Bush]: 3/6, 2 2B, 3 RBI, .500/.500/.833
Chase Utley  [career against Micah Owings]: 3/6, 1 HR, .500/.500/1.000 

Wednesday’s Negative Trends:
Johnny Damon  [career against Cliff Lee]: 0/11, 1 K, .000/.083/.000
Robinson Cano  [career against Cliff Lee]: 1/10, 1 K, .100/.100/.100
B.J. Upton  [career against Shaun Marcum]: 0/3, 3 K, .000/.000/.000
Chone Figgins [career against Zack Grienke]: 0/7, 1 K, .000/.000/.000
Juan Uribe  [career against Livan Hernandez]: 3/17, 4 K, .176/.176/.176
Michael Young  [career against Erik Bedard]: 2/20, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 K, .100/.100/.300
Gerald Laird [career against Erik Bedard]: 1/13, 3 BB, 4 K, .077/.250/.077 

Carlos Beltran [career against Brad Penny]: 3/15, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 3 K, .200/.200/.333
Khalil Greene [career against Tim Hudson]: 1/7, 1 BB, .143/.250/.143
Austin Kearns  [career against Roy Oswalt]: 6/32, 3 RBI, 11 K, .188/.206/.188

Tips 'n Trends: Monday's games

HITTERS:

April showers may bring May flowers, but it works both ways in the big leagues. Some of those hitters that got off to excellent starts such as Nate McLouth, Emil Brown, and Mark Reynolds will most like slow down and proven sluggers like Ryan Howard, Adam Dunn, and Prince Fielder will start to smash those bombs that we’re all accustomed to. As for Monday, an all-star who you might want to give the day off is David Ortiz. Papi is still battling his sore knee and today he faces Jeremy Bonderman, who has had success against the Boston DH in the past. Francona might even decide to give him the day off to rest. Vernon Wells comes in on Monday a career 4-for-29 hitter against Javier Vazquez, so it could be a tough day for Wells owners. Opposed by Vasquez on Monday is Dustin McGowan, and he has simply overpowered Nick Swisher in the past. Swisher is 1-for-10 with seven punch outs against the righty. With only nine games on Monday it might be tough to sit Wells, Swisher, or Big Papi if you own them, but if you have any other options, I say make the gamble and plug them in. Two hitters who should definitely be in your lineup on Monday are Adrian Beltre and Michael Young. Beltre licks his lips every time he sees Kevin Millwood 60 feet, 6 inches away. Beltre is 19-for-62 (.306 BA) with three dingers off Millwood. Michael Young has terrific numbers against Jarrod Washburn. A career .358 hitter versus Washburn, there is no reason Young will not continue to roll on Monday.

PITCHERS:

It’s not just Beltre that has success against Kevin Millwood, but the entire Seattle lineup has enjoyed days when Millwood is the starter. If you have Millwood on your staff, I suggest sitting him today. It could be a high scoring game in Seattle and I don’t see Millwood finding his way out of the fourth inning. Another pitcher to be aware of on Monday is Joel Pineiro. Pineiro, who was just recently brought off the DL, has struggled at Mile High in his limited action there. The Rockies are starting to show why they are defending National League Champs and I would avoid Pineiro at all cost tonight. Last week, I recommended to start Ervin Santana and enjoy the show, and he pitched well, but today I am saying to give him a rest. As good as Santana is in Anaheim, he’s on the road for this game and I’m not fully convinced his road issues are gone. Plus, Kansas City is a team that has hit Big Erv well; they are 30-for-76 (.395 BA) against the Anaheim hurler. Two pitchers to start on Monday are Oliver Perez and Dustin McGowan. Look for Perez to rack up the K’s against the free swinging Dodgers. Though a bit inconsistent this year, Perez is due for a big outing. McGowan is just one of five starters in Toronto that have been dealing over the past two weeks. Matched up against Javier Vasquez, I see a low scoring and well pitched game from both men — but I like McGowan to come out with the win.

Monday’s Positive Trends:
Gary Sheffield [career against Daisuke Matsuzaka]: 6/10. 2 2B, 1 HR, .600/.600/1.100
Scott Rolen  [career against Javier Vasquez]: 14/54, 3 2B, 2 HR, 13 RBI, .259/.259/.481
Jose Vidro  [career against Kevin Millwood]: 26/82, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 11 BB, 14 K, .317/.398/.451
Adrian Beltre [career against Kevin Millwood]: 19/62, 3 2B, 3 HR, .306/.328/.500
Richie Sexson  [career against Kevin Millwood]: 14/51, 3 HR 11 RBI, 12 K, .275/.345/.490
Ichiro  [career against Kevin Millwood]: 21/51, 1 2B, 1 3B, 7 RBI, 4 SB, .412/.455/.471
Michael Young  [career against Jarrod Washburn]: 19/53, 3 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .358/.397/.623
Eric Byrnes  [career against Jamie Moyer]: 9/35, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, .257/.297/.600 

Monday’s Negative Trends:
Magglio Ordonez [career against Daisuke Matsuzaka]: 1/7, 1 2B, 4 K, .143/.143/.286
David Ortiz  [career against Jeremy Bonderman]: 4/24, 1 2B, 1HR, 4RBI, 5 K, .167/.310/.333
Kevin Youkilis [career against Jeremy Bonderman]: 0/12, 5 K, .000/.200/.000
Vernon Wells  [career against Javier Vasquez]: 4/29, 3 2B, 1 HR, 6 K, .138/.138/.345
Nick Swisher  [career against Dustin McGowan]: 1/10, 7 K, .100/.100/.200
Vladimir Guerrero [career against Brett Tomko]: 1/13, 1 K, .077/.077/.077

Andruw Jones  [career against Oliver Perez]: 6/26, 1 2B, 1 HR, 7 K, .240/.345/.400
Rafael Furcal  [career against Oliver Perez]: 4/19, 5 BB, 3 K, .211/.375/.211