The Good, The Bad, and The Two Start Pitchers August 5 Aug 5, 2012 | More

Position Players to Start

Shane Victorino should be a nice catalyst for the Dodgers offense this week.   His trade to Los Angeles last week set him up with a strong week of matchups this week.   Victorino has been disappointing overall this season, but hopes to rebound over the last several weeks of the season as he joins a revitalized Dodgers offense.   Given his success in his career when facing the starting pitchers he faces off with this week, Victorino will be giving Dodger fans something to cheer about this week.  

Weekly fantasy baseball players might be tempted to sit Adrian Beltre down this week with his recent paltry batting average; don’t let that small misstep keep Beltre on your bench.   When facing the pitchers that Beltre and the Rangers will face this week he has a .281 or better batting average.   His small mini-slump might drag the numbers down some, but he definitely belongs in your lineup this week.  

Ryan Howard is another guy that won’t get the nod if you are looking at his body of work over the last week or so, but a deeper look reveals quite a bit of success in his career against this week’s starters.   In his career, Howard boasts a batting average of well over .300 with nine home runs.   Expect him to have a strong week this week.  

Position Players to Avoid

Eric Hosmer was a trendy candidate to have a strong, bounce-back second half.   Those results just have not materialized so far.   Hosmer faces a tough set of starting pitchers this week and will likely continue to struggle.   The talent is there and Hosmer should be a fantasy contributor for years to come, but this week you can do better than the Royals’ first baseman.  

Johnny Peralta has been underwhelming all season long, turning in a mediocre season thus far.   With matchups this week against starters who have historically gotten the best of him Peralta belongs on your bench.   Take a flier on a hot young shortstop and take your chances, rather than depending on the likely dismal output from Peralta.  

Carlos Santana has battled through several injuries this season that have resulted in a disappointing season.   Santana seems to be getting his power stoke back and he may smack a few long balls this week, but his overall performance has the makings of a weak campaign.   You could do worse than Santana, but history suggests you may be settling with him in your lineup.  

Two Start Pitchers

Two favorable matchups:

Jered Weaver is one of those every outing starters.   This week he will remind you why you drafted him early in your draft as he should have with matchups against the Athletics and Mariners.   Make sure to have him active.  

Vance Worley draws matchups against two teams that he has performed very well against in his career.   The Braves and Cardinals both have capable offenses, but look for Worley to have success anyways.  

Matt Cain brings a 15-9 career record against this week’s opponents.   His earned run average and overall performance are even more impressive.   You should always have Cain active and this week will reward you with two solid outings.  

Jarrod Parker hasn’t seen his rookie season go with out its share of bumps and bruises along the way, but this week figures to be a good building block for the Athletics hurler.   Parker has a limited track record no matter the team, but in his short career he has an impressive history against this week’s opponents.   Roll the dice and get him in your lineup this week.  

Split decision:

Johnny Cueto

Yovani Gallardo

Edwin Jackson

Lance Lynn

Ivan Nova

Double trouble:

James Shields

One Start Wonders

Even though these guys get only one start this week, all signs point to them having the opportunity to register good numbers.   Make sure to have them active.  

Clayton Richard

Jeff Samardzija

Zack Greinke

Josh Johnson

Wait til Next Week

Jake Peavy

A.J. Burnett

Felix Doubront

Wandy Rodriguez