Well folks, we're on to Week 17 after a hard-fought (and long) All-Star Game. There are three injury watch's this week and oddly enough two come to us from Seattle. The first from the Emerald City is Erik Bedard where he's on the 15-day DL with a shoulder injury. It's now being reported Bedard likely won't make his start on Monday as the Mariners hoped. Even on the slight possibility Bedard gets two starts this week, he's someone you'd want to avoid until he proves he's healthy. Staying in Seattle, the second injury watch is Miguel Batista where he's suffering from a strained groin. Batista's outlook is much more positive. In fact, it seems Batista will be bumped up in the rotation, most likely taking Bedard's start on Monday against Boston. When healthy, Batista is no more than an AL-only option. Our final injury watch comes to us from the Milwaukee Brewers and pitcher Jeff Suppan (who by the way, was also born in Oklahoma City like yours truly). Suppan has been on the 15-day DL with elbow problems. He's expected to return to start on Tuesday against the Cardinals. Provided he's ready to go, he makes a decent option in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues.


There's only one email this week and it comes to me from Dan in St. Louis…

Dan in St. Louis writes: I have a trade question for you. I am in a weekly head-to-head points league, in the final playoff spot right now at 8-7, and on a 6-1 tear. The league leader (other division) has offered us Ted Lilly and Milton Bradley for Johnny Cueto and Jonathan Broxton. Is Bradley too much of any injury risk, considering his history, or is this year different? I never like to assume or try to predict injuries based on the past, but it is a concern. And how good will Broxton really be for the "contending" Dodgers in the weak NL West? Love the site, especially the weekly 2-start pitchers. Good analysis there. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the help!

Thanks for the email and the kind words, Dan! It's good to know the articles are being read.

I would absolutely stand pat! Bradley has been very injury-prone throughout his career and has never had this many at-bats at the All-Star break ever. I think an injury or slump is inevitable. I would just leave him alone altogether. Lilly also isn't consistent enough for my taste. You should demand someone better if you wish to do this.

However, I'd keep Broxton, but don't expect him to lead the league in saves in the second half. If memory serves me correctly, Broxton has 3 career saves and 15 blown saves, so some bumps in the road could be coming. If you happen to get a great offer, I might consider moving Broxton, but definitely not for the two you've been offered. The guy is obviously just trying to get Broxton on the cheap, so don't be suckered. Keep in mind your scoring system. If wins and saves are the same amount of points, closers will win that every time. Closers could get 3 saves a week, where it's rare a starter gets two wins a week--and that only if they have two starts. Like I said, stand pat and reap the rewards with Broxton, unless of course someone "Michael Corleone's" you and gives you an offer you just can't refuse.

You're a part of this column too! Like Dan, if you have any questions you'd like answered, 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-BRAINERS

Jon Lester, BOS: @ SEA, vs. NYY

ADVISABLE OPTIONS

Nick Blackburn, MIN: @ NYY, @ CLE
Jon Garland, ANA: vs. CLE, @ BAL
Edwin Jackson, TB: vs. OAK, @ KC
Andy Sonnanstine, TB: vs. OAK, @ KC
Javier Vazquez, CHW: vs. TEX, @ DET

OTHERS TO KEEP IN MIND

Paul Byrd, CLE: @ ANA, vs. MIN
Kyle Davies, KC: vs. DET, vs. TB
Sean Gallagher, OAK: @ TB, vs. TEX
Luke Hochevar, KC: vs. DET, vs. TB
Jesse Litsch, TOR: @ BAL, vs. SEA
Luis Mendoza, TEX: @ CHW, @ OAK
Sidney Ponson, NYY: vs. MIN, @ BOS

TRY TO AVOID

Eddie Bonine, DET: @ KC, vs. CHW
Radhames Liz, BAL: vs. TOR, vs. ANA
Garrett Olson, BAL: vs. TOR, vs. ANA
Brian Tallet, TOR: @ BAL, vs. SEA

INJURY WATCH

Miguel Batista, SEA: vs. BOS, @ TOR
Erik Bedard, SEA: vs. BOS, @ TOR

NATIONAL LEAGUE

NO-BRAINERS

Rich Harden, CHC: @ ARI, vs. FLA
Jake Peavy, SD: @ CIN, @ PIT

ADVISABLE OPTIONS

Jason Bergmann, WAS: @ SF, @ LA
Kyle Lohse, STL: vs. MIL, @ NYM
Paul Malholm, PIT: @ HOU, vs. SD
Chris Volstad, FLA: vs. ATL, @ CHC

OTHERS TO KEEP IN MIND

Josh Banks, SD: @ CIN, @ PIT
Randy Johnson, ARI: vs. CHC, @ SF
Jason Marquis, CHC: @ ARI, vs. FLA
Seth McClung, MIL: @ STL, vs. HOU
Chan Ho Park, LA: @ COL, vs. WAS
Joel Pineiro, STL: vs. MIL, @ NYM
Barry Zito, SF: vs. WAS, vs. ARI

TRY TO AVOID

Homer Bailey, CIN: vs. SD, vs. COL
Jorge De La Rosa, COL: vs. LA, @ CIN
Adam Eaton, PHI: @ NYM, vs. ATL
Runelvys Hernandez, HOU: vs. PIT, @ MIL
Charlie Morton, ATL: @ FLA, @ PHI
John Van Benschoten, PIT: @ HOU, vs. SD

INJURY WATCH

Jeff Suppan, MIL: @ STL, vs. HOU

Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association