I am slightly distracted now that the World Cup has started. I know you’ll say, “Smokey, Americans don’t watch soccer.” True, but you should. The game yesterday between the U.S and England had more money wagered on it than the Super Bowl and will be watched by more people worldwide. That’s huge for a first round game in the Copa. Anyways, back to my true passion — imaginary baseball. This week sees several retread names to the Smokey posts and a couple that have been shown the door by you in your leagues (for good reason). So here we go with all the fanfare and glitz that it is supposed to have, the week 11 two start starters for fantasy baseball:
Freddy Garcia (@ Pit vs. Lincoln) (@ Was vs. Lannan)
Freddy, I apologize that I said you were crap 3 weeks ago, I’m glad my words motivated you recently. He’s the road warrior this week. Garcia is 19-8 with a 2.82 career in interleague play. Doesn’t K many and will be thankful for good run support. Still loved him more when he needed Soul Glo.
Chris Tillman (@ SF vs. Sanchez) (@ SD vs. Richard)
Gets away from the AL Beast to where the lineups get shorter. I like him a lot long term. Watched him twice in person and he has the goods to completely dominate a game. Two weaker hitting teams may be his kick start. He still pitches for the Orioles, which is detrimental too anyone’s fantasy health.
Justin Masterson (NYM vs. Santana) (@ Pit vs. Lincoln)
Still love this kid, and he showed you why and how he can be helpful by completely dominating his former club. Gets a great ballpark and a great matchup for his 2 starts. The rebuilding has started around him so it may not get any better support-wise. 2 starts are worth the risk even if it might come with a 5 ERA for the week.
Felipe Paulino (@ KC vs. Davies) ( Tex vs. Wilson)
Gets a whole article written about him after I wrote about him… Hmm, we have some great “pirate” readers. His numbers are hidden behind a 1-7 record. Shame he plays for a cellar dwellar. Last 6 starts since 5/14, he is 1-1 27 K’s 1.75 ERA. Yeah, that’s what I said.
Aaron Harang (LAd vs. Kuroda) (@ Sea vs. Snell)
Another guy that I have not spoke about glowingly. It’s like a week of revenge 2 start guys. I’m not going to lie and say he is awesome now and his numbers are awesome. They aren’t. 2 decent matchups and 3 decent starts out of 4. Still gives up way too many hits and isn’t the K machine he once was.
Ian Kennedy (@ Bos vs. Buchholz) (@ Det vs. Porcello)
Has pitched way better than his record of 3-3. Bullpen just kills his starts. Gets 2 starts away against teams who can either kill the ball or lay dead and let you tickle their feet. 7.8 K/9 and a WHIP of 1.18 is worth taking notice.
Joe Saunders (Mil vs. Wolf) (@Chc vs. Zambrano)
Pitched a Gem on Wednesday. 35/34 K/BB rate sucks all the life out if his fantasy value. 2 ER over the last 16 innings makes him semi-rosterable. Gets 2 pitchers that are scuffling and both have been, to be quite honest, sucking out loud.
Aaron Cook (@ MIN vs. Pavano) (Mil vs. Wolf)
Yeah, I know I’m running out of decent option to wax poetic about. He has lowered his ERA a run over his last 5 starts, which is still near 5. Uses his blinker as well as hand signals when making turns, so he has safety of others in mind.
