The Trade Deadline and your Fantasy Team

Sabathia is 3-0 in his first three starts with the Brew Crew. He’s thrown back-to-back complete games and struck out 24 in as many innings. He could be fantasy’s best pitcher in the second half, and he’s a perfect example of the July 31, non-waivers trade deadline helping a pitcher increase his fantasy value. Same goes for Rich Harden, who struck out 10 in 5 1/3 innings in his Cubs debut after being traded by the A’s. He’s won only five games, but his ERA is 2.19 and he has 102 strikeouts in only 82 1/3 innings. If he’s healthy – which is always a huge if with him – he’s a must-start with his new team.

Rickie Weeks' owners can’t be happy with the Brewers’ recent acquisition of Ray Durham. Weeks, thanks to a .216 batting average and 27 RBI in his first 310 at-bats, was a fringe fantasy starter. Now he’s probably better suited for the bench. His 61 runs, eight homers and 14 stolen bases are assets in deeper category leagues, but the addition of Durham will cut into his playing time. Keep an eye on Durham, who batted .293 with 32 RBI, 43 runs and six steals with the Giants. As recently as 2006, he hit .293 with 26 homers and 93 RBI. He always hits, which will make him tough to keep on the bench. If he’s a regular starter, he’s worth a look in fantasy. All of which would make Weeks go from fringe starter to waiver-wire casualty.

Joe Blanton (5-12, 4.96 ERA) didn’t have much value in Oakland, but I wouldn’t give up on him now that he’s with the Phillies. He’ll get plenty of support, and he did win 42 games from 2005-07. If you’re looking for strikeouts, Blanton isn’t your guy (he has only 62 in 127 innings). If you’re looking for a cheap boost to your starting pitching, he could be. Expect other pitchers of value to switch leagues before the end of the month, and remember: It’s never a bad thing if one of your pitchers goes from the American to the National League. Unless you’re among those who choose to punish yourself by playing in AL- and NL-only leagues.

In the last week, Dodgers closer Takashi Saito was lost for at least six weeks with an elbow injury and Cubs stopper Kerry Wood was placed on the DL with blisters on his pitching hand. I wouldn’t count on Saito the rest of the season, leaving Jonathan Broxton as a quality alternative. Broxton, who has 49 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings, should be an effective closer. In 2006 and ’07, he struck out 196 in 158 1/3 innings. Wood’s stay on the DL is expected to last only a week, so Carlos Marmol fans likely will only get a short run of save opportunities. J.J. Putz will resume his closer’s role at some point, but his value is limited until he earns the job from Brandon Morrow (who has nine saves and a 1.71 ERA).

Alfonso Soriano is expected to return from his hand injury later this week, which means he again should be a fantasy regular next week. Same goes for Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who is returning from a lacerated right hand and was 7-for-15 with two home runs in four minor-league games. Start him as soon as you can. Other fantasy regulars you shouldn’t hesitate to get back in your lineup when they are activated from the DL: Blue Jays pitcher Shaun Marcum (5-4, 2.65 ERA, 86 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings); Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona; Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright (patience is required here; you’ll have to wait until August); and Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar (.286, 35 RBI, 44 runs), who is back from a shoulder ailment.

Francisco Liriano’s agent probably isn’t helping his standing with the Twins after asking the players’ union to investigate why the pitcher hasn’t been called back to the big leagues after going 8-2 in Triple-A. Still, the Twins have to relent at some point and promote their young stud, who was sent back to the minors after losing each of his three April starts. When Liriano is back in the big leagues, he’s worth a roster – and maybe a starting – spot.

Chris Carpenter – remember him? – threw four scoreless innings in his first rehab start for Class AA Springfield on Sunday. The Cardinals’ former ace, who was a combined 51-18 from 2004-06, is recovering from Tommy John surgery last July. He is expected to rejoin St. Louis’ rotation in August. When he does, take a chance if you need pitching help.

Pedro Martinez is 36, has won six games the last two seasons and is trying to recover from a groin injury. I wouldn’t expect anything from him the rest of the way. Same goes for Yankees phenom Phil Hughes, who was recently moved to the 60-day DL, but is still expected back in mid-to-late August. By then, it’s too late for us fans of the fake game. Todd Helton, once a top-five fantasy pick, will be 35 next month and has a combined 39 home runs in 1,400 at-bats the last three seasons – a far cry from his productive seven-year stretch from 1998-2004 – and is bothered by a bad back. He might return this month, but I wouldn’t get too excited. Helton’s days of being a fantasy force are over. Period.