By Kevin Kleps, Fantasy Correspondent
Now, on to the surprise starters who aren't as likely to be as productive in the second half.
Sell
Aaron Cook, Rockies: He’s already reached his career high in wins (10) and, just as surprising, he’s better much better at Coors Field (2.56 ERA, .232 opponents’ batting average) than he is on the road (3.86 ERA, .298 OBA). Cook has pitched his entire career in Colorado, and his ERA is a respectable 4.32. Still, I can’t help but think his hot start can’t continue, and my fears aren’t helped by the fact the Rockies enter the week 18-38 in games in which Cook doesn’t factor into the decision. Cook has only 50 strikeouts in 104 innings, making him worth must-start status only when he pitches twice in a week.
Vicente Padilla, Rangers: He’s 6-1 in his last nine starts, and he’s been good before (15-10 with Texas in 2006 and a combined 28-23 with the Phillies in 2002-03). Still, six of his eight wins have come on the road, and pitching on hot summer nights in Texas doesn’t seem to be the best scenario for this veteran. He’s a part-time starter at best.
Mike Mussina, Yankees: Must be a contract year. One of the Yankees’ many huge-money acquisitions is 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA in his potential walk year. Like Padilla and Cook, Mussina (46 strikeouts in 81 1/3 innings) isn’t a power threat, which limits his value. Another part-time regular.
Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals: The National League’s Pitcher of the Month in May has not had a good June. Wellemeyer, who was a reliever until last season, has been bothered by tightness in his elbow, but is expected to start June 19 against the Royals. He’s 7-2 with a 3.67 ERA, he pitches for a team that should win 90-plus games and he has 65 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings. All of those are good. Elbow ailments are anything but. Keep him reserved until he strings a few quality starts together.
Jonathan Sanchez, Giants: He’s won four consecutive starts and is 6-3 with a whopping 80 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings. He’s young and has a lively arm, but he also pitches for a bad team and has been dreadful on the road (5.97 ERA). If he’s starting twice and you need help, get him in your lineup. Otherwise, I’d keep him on my bench.
Kyle Lohse, Cardinals: He’s won five consecutive starts and is 8-2 with a 3.77 ERA. The bad: He’s a journeyman who is 63-74 with a 4.82 ERA in his career, and he’s had five strikeouts in a game only twice in 15 starts this season. In two-start weeks he’s worth considering, but that’s about it.
Jesse Litsch, Blue Jays: By now, you’ve recognized the pattern. Surprising success (7-3, 3.70 ERA), but low strikeout totals (44 in 82 2/3 innings) and not much past success (Litsch was 7-9 with a 3.81 ERA in 2007, his rookie season). I like him better than some others on this list, mainly Padilla and Lohse, but not enough to put him in my lineup.
Kevin Kleps has covered fantasy sports for almost a decade at The News-Herald in suburban Cleveland. Have a question for Kevin? Shoot him an e-mail at kkleps@hotmail.com.
