Interleague play starts this week and that means that pitching may get a bit more unpredictable.   Based on the last few years of data AL teams tend to do better in interleague games so if you are in doubt you are probably safer opting for an AL heavy pitching staff.

Projected Two Start Pitchers for this Week

Suggested:
Eric Beddard (SEA) @TEX, SD
Felix Hernandez (SEA) @TEX, SD
Tim Hudson (ATL) @ PIT, OAK
Cliff Lee (CLE) TOR, CIN - still red hot
Chien-Ming Wang (NYA) @TB, NYN - keeps on winning
Vincente Padilla (TEX) SEA, HOU
Roy Oswalt (HOU) @SF, @TEX
Jered Weaver (LAA) CHA, LAN

You Make the Call:
Brandon Backe (HOU) @SF, @ TEX
Clay Buchholz (BOS) @MIN, MIL - leaning towards a yes
Paul Byrd (CLE) OAK, @ CIN
Matt Cain (SF) HOU, CHA - home games @ pitchers’ park
John Danks (CHA) @LAA, @SF
Justin Duchscherer (OAK) @CLE, @ATL - dangerous opponents
Jeff Francis (COL) @ARI, MIN
Armando Galarraga (DET) @KC, @ARI Zack Greinke (KC) DET, @FLA
Jeremy Guthrie (BAL) BOS, WAS
Aaron Harang (CIN) FLA, CLE
John Lannan (WAS) @NYN, @BAL
Jesse Litch (TOR) @MIN, @PHI
John Maine (NYN) WAS, @NYA – Yankees’ offense could be an issue Shawn Marcum (TOR) @CLE, @PHI
Micah Owings (ARI) COL, DET - dangerous opponents
Brad Penny (LAD) @MIL, @LAA -
Edinson Volquez (CIN) FLA, CLE Adam Wainwright (STL) @MIL, TB
Randy Wolf (SD) @CHN, @SEA

Other Two Start Pitchers:
Nick Adenhart (LAA) CHA, LAD
Burke Badenhop (FLA) @CIN, KC
Mark Buehrle (CHA) @LAA, @ SF
Dave Bush (MIL) STL, @BOS
Phil Dumatrait (PIT) ATL, CHN
Nelson Figueroa (NYN) WAS, @NYA
Matt Garza (MIN) NYA, @STL
Mark Hendrickson (FLA) @CIN, KC
Paul Maholm (PIT) @STL, @CHN Mike Mussina (NYA) @TB, NYN
Livan Hernandez (MIN) BOS, @ COL
Edwin Jackson (TB) NYA, @STL
Kyle Kendrick (PHI) ATL, TOR
Wilfredo Ledezma (SD) @CHN, @SEA
Jon Lieber (CHN) SD, PIT
Kyle Lohse (STL) PIT, TB
Jason Marquis (CHN) SD, PIT
Odalis Perez (WAS) @NYN, BAL
Jo-Jo Reyes (ATL) @PHI, OAK
Kevin Slowey (MIN) TOR, @COL Calos Villanueva (MIL) LAD, @BOS
Barry Zito (SF) HOU, CHA

At the top three hitters parks
Citizens Bank Park (Phillies): 3 v. Atlanta, 3 v. Blue Jays
Great American Ballpark (Reds): 4 games v. Marlins, 3 v. Indians
Coors Field (Rockies): 3 v. Twins.

At the top three pitchers parks
PETCO park (Padres): No Games
Metrodome (Twins): 1 v. Red Sox, 3 v. Blue Jays
AT & T Park: 4 v. Astros, 3 v. White Sox.

Ratchet Them Up:

Carlos Delgado (1B, Mets):  Has raised his average 43 points in the past two weeks and has hit 4 home runs in that span.  If he keeps this up he’ll likely find himself getting moved back to a better spot in the Mets order.  If they keep him as the seven hitter his value is somewhat limited.

Jimmy Rollins (SS, Phillies):  Was activated from the DL and promptly flexed his muscle by hitting a home run.  Get him back into your lineup but be aware he may not be running at full tilt yet.

Ryan Franklin (CL, Cardinals):  Franklin will likely be the Cardinals new closer but he will at least initially split time with Russ Springer in that job.  Consider this a try out for a long term gig.

Omar Vizquel (SS, Giants):  Is finally pain free and ready to kick off play this week.  In his first appearance of 2008 Omar went 3 for 3. His age (41) counts against him but he’s capable of stealing 20 bases, maybe even more with the Giants new found base running attack, and hitting in the .290s 

Cliff Floyd (OF, Rays):  Returns from yet another injury and is still capable of putting up numbers, at least until the next injury occurs.

Freddy Sanchez (2B, Pirates):  Is enjoying hitting in the leadoff spot and racking up the runs having scored 8 runs in the last 10 games.  Expect more down and had raised his BA 38 points since then.

Howie Kendrick (2B, Angels):  Will be activated in time for this week. 

Kason Gabbard (SP, Rangers): Returned from the DL and will slot back into the rotation.

John Lackey (SP, Angels):  Will return to make his season debut late this week.  He’ll probably be on a pitch count so waiting until next week might be wise.

Brad Hawpe (OF, Rockies):  Is hitting over .330 this month so far and seems to have shaken the early season doldrums which shook fantasy owner’s faith in him.

Ratchet Them Down:

Richie Sexson (1B, Mariners):  Will likely miss some time due to suspension this week.  He was originally suspended for six games as a consequence of charging the mound during a game in Texas.  He will appeal the suspension and it probably will be reduced to 3-4 games.

Chone Figgins (2B, Angels):  Mildly strained his hamstring and may end up on the DL.  Even if he doesn’t he probably won’t be stealing many bases this week.

Jason Isringhausen (RP, Cardinals):  Lost his job as team closer.  This may end up being a temporary thing but Izzy wanted out of the job so it could be a final thing.  Look at Ryan Franklin to take over as closer.

Vernon Wells (OF, Blue Jays):  Broke his wrist making a diving catch on Friday.  He’ll miss 6-8 weeks.

Jim Edmonds (OF, Padres):  Was cut by the Padres.

Paul LoDuca (C, Nationals):  Was placed on the 15 day DL.

Ben Broussard (1B, Rangers):  Was designated for assignment - the team has another week to trade him, cut him or for him to accept a minor league assignment.

Scott Baker (SP, Twins):  Was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained left groin.

Jacque Jones (OF, Tigers):  Was designated for assignment

David Eckstein (SS, Blue Jays):  Was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained hip flexor.

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