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Two Start Pitchers :: Week 8
by Scott Mickels
Published: May 13, 2008, 9:27 pm
We're about to close the books on the first two months of the season. The big news this week comes to us from Anaheim (or is it Los Angeles?). John Lackey is scheduled to make his first start of the season this Wednesday (5/14). He's also slated to be a two-start pitcher for Week 8. Keep a close eye on how he pitches Wednesday at home against the White Sox. As long as he pitches effectively and has no setbacks, he makes an advisable option this week.
I have two emails this week, so without further ado...
Robert in Littleton, CO writes: Do I drop Felix Hernandez? This guy is terrible right now and is killing my WHIP. My options on the waiver wire are Scott Olsen, Gavin Floyd, Justin Verlander, Ted Lilly, and that's about it.
Thanks for the email, Robert! How are things in Littleton? First off, what size of league are you in where Verlander is a free agent?! You should pick him up immediately! As for Hernandez, heck no! It's way too early to drop King Felix. Be patient and take the good with the bad. I'm confident Hernandez, and Verlander for that matter, will turn things around. You have to keep in mind we're not even to the All-Star break. There's still a lot time left in the young season. Keep Hernandez and go get Verlander. Good luck!
Paul in Boston, MA writes: Scott, should I trade Jake Peavy for Lance Berkman? My starters are Peavy, Sabathia, Bedard, Carmona, C. Young, Greinke, Billingsley and Cain. Thanks for your help.
I appreciate the email, Paul! You have a very deep, talented staff. However, I would still be hesitant with this offer. Although Berkman is hitting the ball like it's nobody's business, he's bound to come back to Earth. I urge you to include the type and size of your league next time you email. Without knowing that, or what your hitters look like, I'm going on the basis of long-term value. Berkman is definitely a great fantasy option right now, but I do believe he'll cool off. Normally, he's a top 10 1B. Whereas Peavy is arguably the league's best fantasy pitcher and should be treated as such. I feel he's too valuable to cut ties with for a hot Berkman. Stand pat and keep Peavy. Good luck next week!
Just like Robert and Paul, if you have any kind of dilemmas like those staring you in the face each week, don't hesitate to email me with them at scottmickels@fantasyplaymakers.com. I'm more than happy to help you out and get your team's rotation pointed in the right direction. Now, without further ado, on to the two-start pitchers!
NOTE: These starts are not set in stone. They can change for any variety of reasons; managerial moves, injuries, rain-outs, etc. Please keep in mind they are probable.
AMERICAN LEAGUE NO-BRAINERSJosh Beckett, BOS: vs. KC, @ OAK
James Shields, TB: @ OAK, vs. BALADVISABLE OPTIONS
Daniel Cabrera, BAL: @ NYY, @ TB
Felix Hernandez, SEA: @ DET, @ NYY
Jon Lester, BOS: vs. KC, @ OAK
Mike Mussina, NYY: vs. BAL, vs. SEA
Justin Verlander, DET: vs. SEA, vs. MIN
OTHERS TO KEEP IN MINDJoe Blanton, OAK: vs. TB, vs. BOS
Jose Contreras, CHW: vs. CLE, vs. ANA
Scott Feldman, TEX: @ MIN, @ CLE
Luke Hochevar, KC: @ BOS, @ TOR
Gil Meche, KC: @ BOS, @ TOR
Garrett Olson, BAL: @ NYY, @ TB
Glen Perkins, MIN: vs. TEX, @ DETTRY TO AVOIDBoof Bonser, MIN: vs. Tex, @ DETINJURY WATCHJohn Lackey, ANA: @ TOR, @ CHWNATIONAL LEAGUE NO-BRAINERSCole Hamels, PHI: @ Was, @ HOU
Jake Peavy, SD: vs. STL, vs. CIN
ADVISABLE OPTIONS
Ted Lilly, CHC: @ HOU, @ PIT
Greg Maddux, SD: vs. STL, vs. CIN
Todd Wellmeyer, STL: @ SD, @ LA
OTHERS TO KEEP IN MINDBronson Arroyo, CIN: @ LA, @ SD
Tom Glavine, ATL: vs. NYM, vs. ARI
Derek Lowe, LA: vs. CIN, vs. STL
Paul Malholm, PIT: vs. MIL, vs. CHC
Brett Myers, PHI: @ WAS, @ HOU
Manny Parra, MIL: @ PIT, @ WAS
Mike Pelfrey, NYM: @ ATL, @ COL
Tim Redding, WAS: vs. PHI, vs. MIL
Claudio Vargas, NYM: @ ATL, @ COLTRY TO AVOIDMatt Belisle, CIN: @ LA, @ SD
Jorge De La Rosa, COL: vs. SF, vs. NYM
Patrick Misch, SF: @ COL, @ FLA
Brian Moehler, HOU: vs. CHC, vs. PHI
Ricky Nolasco, FLA: vs. ARI, vs. SF
Chris Sampson, HOU: vs. CHC, vs. PHI  Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association
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