There are big schedule advantages this week for five National League teams -- the Cubs, Reds, Rockies, Marlins and Astros. They're scheduled for seven games -- 40 per cent more than the Braves, who would play five times. The other 10 NL teams are scheduled for six games.
Florida would have the added advantage of playing all seven at home (four against the Astros, three vs. the Rockies). Coming off a road sweep of the first-place Phillies, the Marlins could have great momentum. Because they play in a park that somewhat favors pitching, their relievers and RHP Chris Volstad -- scheduled for two starts -- should have a good week and be worth playing in your fantasy lineup.
In the American League, four teams -- the Red Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Mariners -- are scheduled for seven games, with the other 10 playing six times. Seattle would be the only AL team with all seven games at home -- in an extreme pitchers' park against the White Sox for three games and Yankees for four.
Overall, it should be a good week for pitchers. Scheduled to play all six games at home are Minnesota (Royals and Indians three each) and St. Louis (Reds and Padres) in extreme pitchers' parks. Six games are scheduled in an only slightly less pitcher-friendly venue at Milwaukee (Padres and Astros), and Atlanta would have all five of its games at home. Therefore, the week should be almost as bad for San Diego batters as it would be good for Florida pitchers.
The best hitters' parks in use for all six games would be at Baltimore (Athletics and Angels) and Arizona (Mets and Dodgers).
Pitchers scheduled to start at home twice this week are RHPs Volstad, Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Blackburn, Doug Fister, Rich Harden, Rick VandenHurk, Braden Looper and Kyle Lohse, and LHP Lucas French. My highest recommendation is Volstad, with live longsots in Blackburn and VandenHurk.
No comments:
Post a Comment