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Two Start Pitchers :: Week 12
by Scott Mickels
Published: June 17, 2010, 7:12 pm
 This week I wanted to talk about a new name on the 2-start list that most of you are likely not familiar with, and that's the Orioles' Jake Arrieta. Since being called up from Triple-A Norfolk back on June 9th, he's done nothing but impress in his two starts. His first ever major league start came against a tough Yankees' lineup, yet he persevered by only allowing 3 earned runs on 4 hits and striking out 6 in 6 innings of work. He did serve up 4 walks, but he still got the win. He looked even better in his second start at San Francisco only giving up 1 earned run on 3 hits in 7 innings pitched. He only struck out 3, but at the same time only walked 2 and more importantly got the win. I suppose it shouldn't be too surprising considering the kid was tearing up the minor leagues sporting a 1.85 ERA and 1.1 WHIP in 73 innings before his call up. Perhaps it's the fact he pitches for the Orioles is what's to blame for why he's still available in anywhere from 60-90% of leagues out there. I guess that's understandable. However, I think the kid is the real deal and is worth a pick-up in most leagues, especially deeper and AL-only leagues. He's had success at every level from his days at TCU to playing for Team USA at the '08 Olympics to the minor leagues, and is now  translating that success to the big leagues. He'll of course have his bumps in the road, as any rookie pitcher would in the AL East, but I don't see this kid imploding either. This week he has two favorable starts at home against the light-hitting Marlins and Nationals. Consider Arrieta a high-end Keep in Mind option in most leagues.
There's also one Injury Watch to touch on this week. For this we head to the Lone Star state where Rangers starter Tommy Hunter is suffering from a strained right hip flexor. He was pulled from his last start in the 3rd inning after feeling some discomfort. He has looked sharp so far this season, so if for some reason he can go without any pain, I'd consider him a low-end Advisable Option. However, there's been no official word on Hunter's status from the Rangers going into Week 12, so you may want to play this one safe. Definitely keep an eye on this situation over the weekend if Hunter is someone you're counting on.
Now, on to what we all came here for, the Two-Start Pitchers!
Of course, if you have any pitching questions, or now any fantasy football questions, don't hesitate to email me with them at scottmickels@fantasyplaymakers.com.
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-BRAINERSJon Lester, BOS: @ COL, @ SF
Justin Verlander, DET: @ NYM, @ ATL
ADVISABLE OPTIONSBrett Cecil, TOR: vs. STL, vs. PHI
John Danks, CHW: vs. ATL, vs. CHC
OTHERS TO KEEP IN MINDJake Arrieta, BAL: vs. FLA, vs. WAS
Scott Baker, MIN: @ MIL, @ NYM
A. J. Burnett, NYY @ ARI, @ LA
Wade Davis, TB: vs. SD, vs. ARI
Gio Gonzalez, OAK: vs. CIN, vs. PIT
Ervin Santana, ANA: vs. LA, vs. COL
TRY TO AVOIDBruce Chen, KC: @ WAS, vs. STL
Ryan Rowland-Smith, SEA: vs. CHC, @ MIL
Mitch Talbot, CLE: @ PHI, @ CININJURY WATCH
Tommy Hunter, TEX: vs. PIT, vs. HOU
NATIONAL LEAGUE NO-BRAINERSJaime Garcia, STL: @ TOR, @ KC
Tommy Hanson, ATL: @ CHW vs. DET
Clayton Kershaw, LA: @ ANA, vs. NYY
Roy Oswalt, HOU: vs. SF, @ TEX
ADVISABLE OPTIONSRyan Dempster, CHC: @ SEA, @ CHW
Mat Latos, SD: @ TB, @ FLA
Mike Leake, CIN: @ OAK, vs. CLE
OTHERS TO KEEP IN MINDJhoulys Chacin, COL: vs. BOS, @ ANA
Livan Hernandez, WAS: vs. KC, @ BAL
Kyle Kendrick, PHI: vs. CLE, @ TOR
Jonathon Niese, NYM: vs. DET, vs. MIN
TRY TO AVOID Dave Bush, MIL: vs. MIN, vs. SEA
Zach Duke, PIT: @ TEX, @ OAK
Rodrigo Lopez, ARI: vs. NYY, @ TB
INJURY WATCHNone
 Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association
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