Fantasy Baseball: Starting Pitching Performances

This past week, there were plenty of high-quality starts to benefit from. If you had John Lackey, for instance, you got 2 wins, 15 K in 16 IP, and an ERA lower than his WHIP (0.54 and 0.78 ).

But everyone knows what to do with Lackey: Trade him to me!

What about Kevin Slowey? In 15 innings, he didn't give up a run, nabbed one win during his complete game shutout yesterday, and struck out a guy and inning.

I'm going to be honest- I like this guy. He has great control (45/9 K/BB ratio- that's insane), and his ERA is under 3.50 for the season. Unfortunately, given he's on the Twins, the record won't reflect just how good he's been. And occasionally, he'll get hit hard- he got rocked by the White Sox a few weeks back. Still, if I own him, I'm keeping him and starting him.

A.J. Burnett is probably owned in your league, and those owners had a smile on their face after his last couple of starts: 2 wins, 18 strikeouts, and an ERA clocked at 0.60 after 15 innings. But the question could be: sell high? I say no. Burnett's first half has been a bit disappointing: an 8-7 record, 4.74 ERA, and 54 walks in 106 innings. However, the strikeouts are still there (108 thus far), and most feel he's due for 10 wins in the second half. If Toronto's bullpen will stop hurting his W column, Burnett has the chance to be a top-20 pitcher.

Sometimes this year, fantasy owners have been wondering if Mark Buehrle has been absent like his probably long-lost cousin Ferris. (Lame joke factor to the MAX). Sporting a 6-6 record with a sub-4 ERA, but mediocre numbers elsewhere his past week was refreshing: 2 wins, a 0.60 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP.

The drag? 7 strikeouts (albeit only 2 walks) in that same span. But fantasy owners don't grab him as anything more than a #3 starter anyway. He's been consistently good his past six times out, notching four wins and going perfect in the quality start department. Being on a first-place team has made him look even better, so I can't blame you for holding on to him, as the wins might come along as well in the second half. However, the thinking here is you can use those stats I just quoted and package him in a deal for someone more elite. It's worth a shot.

Finally, Chan Ho Park has been a lifesaver for the Dodgers since they put Brad Penny on the DL (whaddya know? That was a good idea!). With a shutout through 6 innings while striking out 7, Park had a great start against the Angels. But is this converted reliever worth a pickup? I'm seeing a new viable spot-starter here until we've seen more. 16 Ks in 2 starts is impressive, to be sure, but I'm waiting for a regression when he starts on the road. For now, start him at home depending on the matchup, but it would be wise to keep an eye on him for further results...

And with that, I wish you luck in your fantasy endeavors!