This isn’t meant to replace Smokey’s two-start pitchers for fantasy that comes every weekend. This is meant to supplement that, like something A-Rod’s cousin would give you. This isn’t two start pitchers, this is barely owned guys that could give you one start. A pick up and a drop. They’re all owned in less than 50% of ESPN leagues. Pretty much everything I told you in the beginning of the year about trusting your big guns and not trusting the wayward sons-of-bees goes out the window this time of year. If you’re battling for pitching points or a playoff spot in H2H, you need to take some chances I wouldn’t necessarily take in April. Suddenly, James McDonald looks ownable and Ross Ohlendorf doesn’t look like Ross Ohlendorf, but looks like a guy who’s facing a team that he has an under 3 ERA against. So I’ve assembled one, two or three starters from Friday, the new Humpday, until next Wednesday, the old Humpday, that you could take a chance on depending on how bad your pitching shituation is. I’m not completely proud of all of these guys, but their mommas are (even Momma Ohlendorf). Anyway, here’s some borderline starters for this week in fantasy baseball:
Friday, August 20th
Homer Bailey – Looked solid in his last start, but it’s risky because I don’t always believe the 2nd time’s a charm. Against the Dodgers in LA looks like a start where Bailey can hold his own. Or at least not totally screw the pooch. Or pouch, if you’re a kangaroo.
Mike Pelfrey – I don’t fully trust him every time out, but he gets the Pirates.
Anibal Sanchez – He (she?) has a 3.18 ERA in his last three starts and gets the Astros.
Saturday, August 21st
James McDonald – 20 Ks in his last 17 2/3 IP, goes against the Mets.
Jon Niese – He really should be owned in more than 50% of leagues, but he’s not so here he is.
Sunday, August 22nd
Mike Minor – I’ve talked about him enough at this point. Search the site on the top left.
Daniel Hudson – Ten Ks the last time out, 9 Ks the time before that. This is vs. the Rockies, so it’s not without its risk, but if you need Ks, I’d go for it.
Monday, August 23rd
Ross Ohlendorf – None of the starts today are very appealing. I wouldn’t pick up The Dorf unless I were really up against a wall, but as mentioned in the intro he’s been decent vs. the Cards in his career.
Tuesday, August 24th
Clayton Richard – Hodgepadre.
Travis Wood – Gets the Giants in San Fran, which is a solid enough matchup. Could be risky because I think there will be some rough waters ahead for Wood… Too bad he’s not Balsa Wood.
Wednesday, August 25th
Homer Bailey – This recommendation could change depending on his Friday start.
Jake Westbrook – Shoot me now for recommending Westbrook.
