Grey Matter

Another trip through the Tuesday box scores from a fantasy perspective...

CARDINALS 2, NATIONALS 0: Who has been the best pitcher in baseball since the All-Star break? You could make a strong case for Jeff Suppan. His first half was so bad, that his performances lately have gotten lost in his overall numbers -- his total ERA is still just 4.39. However, in his last 10 starts he's pitched to a stellar 2.24 ERA and 1.275 ratio. He's had his share of luck, but he's still out there in many mixed leagues for the final weeks if you need pitching help, and that's a pretty strong statistical statement.

DIAMONDBACKS 4, MARLINS 0: I will readily admit I've given up. All year long I have been carrying Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Vargas on my NL-only team. Claudio that is. I stick with him because I know he has the potential to shut down any lineup on any night when he's locating his 94-mph heat. On the nights he's not locating it, look out.

I've given up trying to find a pattern as to when he will actually pitch well. He does pitch to a 4.26 ERA on the road, but some of his best outings have come at home, so that's no real indication. He has a 3.63 ERA in seven day starts, striking out almost a batter per inning, but again, some of his best outings have come at night. I'm about ready to try astrological charts.

Dontrelle Willis was not bad last night -- he just left a couple of balls out over the plate at inopportune times. His stuff was good otherwise, and I'm optimistic about his performance for the balance of the season.

RANGERS 5, ATHLETICS 4: Mark Ellis has been quietly effective since the All-Star break, hitting .261-8-32 in 49 games. He finished strongly last season and is doing it again. He's been on the bench in a lot of AL-only leagues because his overall numbers still look pretty weak, but he's been a good performer over the last month and a half.

PADRES 5, ROCKIES 4: That was a nice offensive lineup the Padres put out there last night, winning the game despite three hitters in the order hovering around the Mendoza Line.

Kaz Matsui is hitting .378 in his 11 games with the Rockies. He's looming as a nice NL-only sleeper play for next season.

ANGELS 5, ORIOLES 2: Where has Adam Kennedy's power gone? He has a total of five in the last two seasons after hitting in double digits in '03 and '04. This is Jason Kendall territory. It just makes the delay in Howie Kendrick's ascension to the majors that much more puzzling.

ROYALS 5, YANKEES 0: Jeff Keppinger can hit at the major league level if someone gives him an opportunity. Unfortunately, the Royals signed Mark Grudzielanek to a contract extension.