Dave Bush, SP - Brewers

It was a fun week to be in New York, especially for someone like me who considers himself to be far more rational than the average Mets (or Yankees, for that matter) fan. I truly get a kick out of Mets fans who are ready to jump off a bridge after 15 games. Sure, the team has problems (what team does not?), but at least give it some time before you reach the conclusion that this team is doomed to fourth place in the National League East. Perfect example of the mindset of some Mets fans, from Saturday's game at Citi Field: Mike Pelfrey was nibbling the corners while facing Josh Willingham and someone in the row behind me was appalled, commenting: “This guy is batting .167! Just throw it down the middle!” Never mind that it was over the course of massive sample size of 25 at-bats, or that Willingham has hit more than 20 homers two of the last three seasons. The way to pitch Willingham is to just throw it down the middle. Something tells me that would not work out very well... unless you owned Willingham on your fantasy team.

And now, onto the two-start pitchers:

Randy Wolf, Los Angeles: at San Francisco, vs. San Diego:

Wolf had some success last year against the Giants, with a 2.37 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP in three starts last season. As expected, the Giants offense is dismal this year, scoring only 3.5 runs per game, to go together with a .242 team average. The Giants offense does not take too many walks either (the least in the National League), which works in Wolf's favor as he has been prone to bouts of wildness from time to time.

As far as the Padres are concerned, Wolf struggled earlier this year in his first outing, allowing four runs in only 5 1/3 inning. This actually fits in to his career history against the Padres, with a 6.02 lifetime ERA. He has, however, struck out nearly a batter per inning against the Padres. The Padres have come down to earth a bit, dropping four of their last five as of the time I am writing this (pending Sunday's results against the Pirates). Wolf reverses his Padres history this week, and gives owners a strong two start week.

Dave Bush, Milwaukee, vs. Pittsburgh, vs. Arizona

Bush flirted with a no-hitter last week against the Phillies in Citizens Bank Park last week, harnessing the potential that fantasy players have been waiting for. He is off to a decent start this year, and he gets a favorable two start matchup against the Pirates and the Diamondbacks. The Pirates are hitting well for the time being, so there is some danger there, but Bush handles them pretty well last year, going 2-1, with a 3.98 ERA in 31 innings. The Pirates also will be short Ryan Doumit when they get Bush this time around. As far as the Diamondbacks are concerned, they are hitting extremely poorly to start the year, batting .223 as a team. Additionally, Bush pitches far better at Miller Park than he does on the road. With these favorable matchups, Bush is primed for a big week.

Brian Bannister, Kansas City, vs. Toronto, at Minnesota

On the heels of an outstanding 2007, expectations were big for Bannister. He is never going to strike out a lot of batters, but his control and cerebral pitching style had the Royals excited about 2008. Bannister went 9-16 with a 5.76 ERA, and then started 2009 in AAA. Injuries in the Royals rotation, followed by the Royals unwillingness to give former #1 draft pick Luke Hochevar another chance just yet, and Bannister was right back up, throwing six shutout innings last week. Can he get back to that 2007 level? Obviously, this recommendation is made with the expectation that he can. Be careful though, the Blue Jays have started the year extremely hot with the runs in the league to start 2009 (although it might be skewed by 51 of those runs in four games).

Scott Richmond, Toronto, at Kansas City, vs. Baltimore

Richmond has only eight career major league starts, so there is not much of a history to look at when making this recommendation. Neither the Royals or Orioles have monster lineups. Richmond also handled the Orioles quite well in one of his only starts last season, throwing six shutout innings. If the Blue Jays keep putting up runs in the way they have, Richmond has a great shot at securing two wins this week.

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis, at Atlanta, at Washington

When dealing with Lohse, you really have to throw out his career numbers. He basically has a new career under the tutelage of Dave Duncan, where he reached levels that he never even approached in his career with Minnesota. Last season he only had one start against the Braves, throwing six innings, and giving up three earned runs in a no-decision. He owned the Nationals, allowing only one run in 12 innings over two starts. With the Braves minus Brian McCann for the time being, and the Nationals new-look lineup not really putting up too many runs, this looks like a good week for Lohse.

As far as the hitters are concerned, we revive the Arlington/Coors/Great American/Citizens Bank watch, with the teams that will be visiting these hitter-friendly parks.

• Arlington: Oakland, White Sox
• Coors:  San Diego
• Great American: Astros
• Citizens Bank:  Washington, Mets

That will do it for this week. See you next time. Questions? Comments? sethf@sportsgrumblings.com