The Good, The Bad, and The Two Start Pitchers July 29 Jul 29, 2012 | More

Position Players to Start

Edwin Encarnacion has been hot since the All Star break and will look to keep the hot streak going this week with a stretch of favorable matchups.   Encarnacion has home runs off of four of the starters he faces this week and should be a great start for your fantasy squad this week.  

The Pirates are tinkering with Neil Walker’s position in the batting order, but the second baseman has a successful track record from different slots this season and has been a solid contributor all season.   He has been hot lately and has a great track record against his foes this week.   Even if the Pirates are uncertain where they want Walker in their lineup, make sure he is active in yours!

Aramis Ramirez hasn’t been the dependable source of power this season that he typically is, but this week lines up as a good week for him to collect some long balls.   Ramirez has slapped six homeruns against the starters he faces this week and also has an excellent batting average to go with the power.   Make sure that he is plugged in to your lineup this week and expect great results.  

Position Players to Avoid

Jay Bruce has been cold lately to the point of getting the occasional day off when facing a tough foe.   This week he figures to face several tough foes.   Bruce has an abysmal batting average against the starters he will face this week.   Bruce has the ability to contribute to your fantasy team but this week he will likely hurt you more than he can help you.

Ryan Howard is working hard to get back in the groove, but his past performances against this week’s starters suggest that will be difficult this week.   With matchups with five starters who have held him hitless, Howards belongs on your bench this week.  

Starlin Castro has been slumping lately and has seen his average fall during the dry spell.   This week Castro is faced with matchups against several starters that have had his number over his career.   The usual dependable shortstop would be better served on your bench this week given the history.  

Two Start Pitchers

Two favorable matchups:

Tommy Hanson has been roughed up a little bit lately.   This week he gets starts against teams he is a combined 10-2 against.   He should bounce back this week and belongs in your lineup.

David Price is a must start every time out, and this week the odds are stacked in his favor.   Price gets the Athletics and the Orioles who he has had a great deal of success against.  

Homer Bailey is 10-1 against these week’s opponents and can be a nice addition to your starting lineup this week.  

Madison Bumgarner gets the nod each time out and this week is certainly no exception.   He faces off with the Mets and Rockies this week.   With a career record of only 4-3 you might not expect great things, but he owns an excellent earned run average against each team.   Make sure he is in your lineup.

Tough luck Cliff Lee is poised for two strong outings this week, as he faces off with the Nationals and Diamondbacks.   Run support will be the difference between a good week and a great week, but Lee deserves a spot in your roster.  

Split decision:

Ricky Nolasco

Josh Beckett

Tim Lincecum

Double trouble:

Tommy Milone

Max Scherzer

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.  

Mat Latos

Ryan Vogelsong

Yovani Gallardo

Tim Hudson

Yu Darvish

A.J. Burnett

James McDonald

Adam Wainwright

Wait til Next Week

Edwin Jackson

Justin Masterson

Francisco Liriano

Ryan Dempster