Mets' fans just looove David Wright again!

Watching my Mets finally click and play like I was expecting made this one heck of a week. Atlanta on the road, Philadelphia at home, two more in a row against Pittsburgh at home, and just like that, back into first place. And, as an added bonus you get to see the overreacting Mets fans, who were ready to trade David Wright for spare parts about two weeks ago, have to backtrack with their tails between their legs. There is a lesson here for everyone though... be patient. Trust a player's track record, especially an extensive one. Well, that is, unless that track record belongs to Manny Ramirez. And with that said, here are your below the radar two start options this week:

Andy Sonnanstine, Tampa Bay, at Baltimore, vs. Cleveland:

Although James Shields and Scott Kazmir and even David Price got a lot of attention last year in the Rays run to the World Series, Sonnanstine was quietly an effective option last year, going 13-9 with a 4.38 ERA. He has struggled out of the gate this year, but do not worry about the overall numbers. Focus on his last two starts against the Red Sox and Yankees, when he has allowed only four earned runs in 13 innings. He will get two offenses that are roughly league average this year in the Orioles and Indians. With the Rays starting to get hot, at 7-3 in their last 10, now seems to be a good opportunity to start Sonnanstine.

Chan Ho Park, Philadelphia, vs. Los Angeles, at Washington:

Never underestimate a man pitching for his job. Manager Charlie Manuel implied that Park may not have too many more chances at staying in the starting rotation. He then went out and matched Johan Santana zero for zero, tossing six innings of one-hit ball in a no-decision. He still has decent stuff, but he's prone to the big inning. With J.A. Happ breathing down his neck, Park has a limited margin of error. He gets the scorching hot Dodgers at home, and the Nationals on the road this week. Although the Dodgers have had the National League's top offense this year, it remains to be seen what the effect of the recent Ramirez suspension will be. It is certainly a gamble, but I am going to bet on Park this week to put up a solid two-start week.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado, vs. Houston, at Pittsburgh:

Jimenez had a breakout year last year, putting up a sub-4.00 ERA, even in Coors Field. This year, he is on what appears to be a similar path as Andy Sonnanstine, as he has struggled out of the gate. But, just as with Sonnanstine, try not to look at the overall 5.45 ERA this year, and instead, take a peek at this last two starts, where he has given up only four earned runs in 14 innings, with a sub-1.00 WHIP. Although he has one start in the launching pad at Coors, it will be against the Astros, who have one of the worst offenses in the league. Later in the week, he will take his show on the road against the Pirates, who struggle with the bat as well. If Jimenez cannot continue his hot streak against these two squads, well, the Rockies may be in even deeper trouble than their 11-18 record would suggest.

Justin Masterson, Boston, at Los Angeles, at Seattle:

With Masterson, we come to yet another pitcher who had a strong 2008 season, but has struggled out of the gate in 2009. He's been working as a swing man, with eight appearances and only four starts, which is somewhat similar to last year, where he had nine starts in 36 appearances. He gets the Angels and the Mariners this week, two teams who he pitched quite well against last year, compiling a 1.96 ERA against the two. With both the Angels and Mariners struggling at run production this season, Masterson is a solid two-start option for the week.

Gavin Floyd, Chicago, at Cleveland, at Toronto:

Floyd is another guy who has struggled to start the year, with a 2-2 record and a 6.29 ERA. His biggest problem this year has been control, with 18 walks in only 34 innings. With that walk rate, the results are not surprising. Of course, it is not just walks, as he has also allowed 42 hits in 34 innings. Truly a brutal start to the year. This is a bit of a risky pick, as one of his starts will come against the top offense in the league in Toronto, and the other start is against a decent offense in Cleveland. Simply call it a hunch this week. I will let you decide if my hunches are worthwhile gambles.

And, as always, we move on to our Arlington/Coors/Great American/Citizens Bank weekly watch, where you can try to seize on any marginal players that will be visiting some of the most advantageous hitters parks in the league:

Arlington: Seattle, Los Angeles (AL)

Coors:  Houston

Great American: None

Citizens Bank:  Los Angeles (NL)

That will do it for this week. See you next time.

Questions? Comments? sethf@sportsgrumblings.com