Diary of an Expert League: Weathering the Heat Aug 29, 2012 | More

Many cities across the county are experiencing a stretch of hot weather as we wrap up summer and head into fall. Weather is not the only thing heating up as America’s pastime is also hitting the homestretch. The last few weeks have been chock full of headlines including playoff races, blockbuster trades, exceptional performances and failed drug tests. Many of these events have major impacts in the fantasy baseball world. If you compete in an American League-only league, then how do you overcome losing Adrian Gonzalez? If you were proud of yourself for snagging Melky Cabrera as your prized sleeper, then who do you pick up to replace him?

Fortunately, the Fantasy Sharks team has not been significantly impacted by these newsmakers. However, we have suffered a few disappointments recently as we hang onto sixth place with only a few weeks remaining in the season. Jose Bautista returned to Toronto’s lineup, but then reinjured his wrist the next day and landed on the disabled list again. First half St. Louis Cardinals’ sleeper Lance Lynn appeared to wake up as his second half struggles continued and has now been dropped from the rotation. Minnesota’s Scott Diamond was ejected from his last start and suspended for six games. He is appealing the suspension, but may lose starts in this key stretch of the season. Take a dive with me as we discuss several other performances from the last week.

Andrew McCutchen - The Pittsburgh cornerstone has finally hit a rough patch after an enormous season. He batted under .200 for the week and has been striking out more often, but should rebound as Pittsburgh continues to battle for a playoff spot.

Rickie Weeks - Once owners began to trust Weeks, he began to skid again. After going 1-for-24, he rebounded on Monday with a three-hit night. Weeks has been a major disappointment this year.

Adam Wainwright - The St. Louis right-hander struggled in the first half of the season as he returned to the mound following Tommy John Surgery. Wainwright has now accumulated 13 wins, including 10 quality starts in his last 11 outings. He appears to have returned, so start him with confidence as he is one of the most consistent pitchers over the last two months.

 Good luck this week, and have a great Labor Day Weekend!