Randy Wolf - Dodgers

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am getting pretty bored with inter-league play. What seemed like an incredibly fresh and unique idea 12 years ago, just seems completely played out now. Maybe the idea itself is not so bad, but the fact that ESPN and Co. makes this huge deal of it every year is probably what turns me off. Or maybe I am just grouchy because as of the time I am writing this, the Yankees have outscored the Mets 29-1 in the last three games. Yeah, that is probably it. Anyway, with that said, let's take a look at the two-start options for the week:

Ricky Nolasco, Florida Marlins, vs. Washington, vs. Pittsburgh

Nolasco has been possibly the biggest disappointment this year for bidders, as he has compiled a 4-6, 6.42, 1.558 stat line just one year after his breakout season, complete with a trip to AAA to get his head together. Since his return, he has apparently done just that, with a 1.80 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in 25 innings over the course of four starts. The lack of control which was evident prior to his demotion has seemingly vanished, and his earlier propensity for giving up way too many hits has also diminished. With Nolasco turning it around, now is certainly not the time to sell low.

Not surprisingly, with Nolasco getting his act together, the Marlins have made a recent surge back into the standings, going 15-10 in June to get back to .500. Nolasco will get the Nationals and the Pirates this week. He has started three times against the Nats and Pirates in 2009 with fairly brutal results, but all prior to his demotion. Historically, he has been pretty good against both his opponents, and neither have been better than league average this year. On Nolasco's current run, you should be able to start him with confidence.

Randy Wolf, Los Angeles Dodgers, vs. Colorado, at San Diego

Wolf was finally healthy last year, and has continued that health streak this season, and as a result, he has demonstrated the kind of promise he showed early in his career with the Phillies. Thus far this year, he has gone 3-3, 3.64, 1.204. With the Dodgers being forced to trot out Eric Stults, Eric Milton, Jeff Weaver, and the seemingly not ready James McDonald as starting pitchers this year, the stability that Wolf has provided has gone a long way to explaining the Dodgers major league best 48-27 record.

Wolf gets division rivals the Rockies and Padres this week, two teams against which he has historically had problems. The Padres have the lowest run total in the National League this year, and have been absolutely dreadful at home, where Wolf will get them (.214/.311/.345 at home). The Rockies, on the other hand, actually have the most runs in the league, although the Coors effect has led to one more run per game at home for the Rockies. These are fairly favorable match-ups for the week, and Wolf is worth starting.

Clayton Richard, Chicago White Sox, at Cleveland, at Kansas City

Richard gets away from the friendly confines of U.S. Cellular or Comiskey, or whatever they are calling it these days, which has been a good sign this year (5.14 ERA at home, 3.67 ERA on the road). The start against the Indians is a hunch pick, as they have the third most productive offense in the American League this year. But, they have just moved Mark DeRosa which weakens their offense slightly. Moreover, the Indians offense has fallen off the map a bit in June, as their offensive numbers have decreased across the board.

Richard had a rough start against the Indians earlier this year, but again, the Indians offense has been less effective over the last few weeks. Against the Royals, Richard has been very impressive with one start and two relief appearances. With the Royals mediocre offense, and the Indians potentially needing a week or two to adapt to their DeRosa-less offense, Richard seems like a worthwhile gamble this week.

Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies, at Atlanta, vs. New York Mets

Blanton's overall numbers this year are rather unimpressive, as he has gone 4-4, 5.06, 1.422 for the season. But, as we all know, this is a game of trends and hot streaks, and Blanton has been extremely effective in June, going 1-1, 3.34, 1.175 with 29 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings. Although there is always talk of pitchers fixing “mechanical problems,” the direct improvement in Blanton's performance makes me think there was actually something to this mechanical correction. For the season, his strikeout rate is up, and his walk rate is down, which is generally a recipe for success.

He will get division rivals the Braves and the Mets this week. His two starts this season against the Braves have been absolutely horrific, as he has gone 0-1, with a 9.75 ERA and a 1.667 WHIP. Those starts were earlier this year, however, before he began this June run of success. He has not started against the Mets yet this year, but after watching my Mets recently, and with their devastating injuries (when Jeremy Reed, Argenis Reyes, and Fernando Tatis figure prominently into your lineup, that's not a good thing), most pitchers will at least be able to get a quality start against the Mets. Blanton looks like a decent bet this week.  

Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels, at Texas, vs. Baltimore

Fresh off the heels of a 17-win season in 2008, Saunders has continued that success in 2009, going 8-4, 3.66, and 1.241 this season. He is not a good source of strikeouts, but he remains effective and a good option for consistent production. Keep in mind, he was absolutely brutal against the Rangers earlier this year, giving up seven earned runs in only 5 1/3 innings, but he did get the win against the Orioles (which, for the record, he has now gone 5-0 over six starts in his career). With the Angels currently on a nice hot streak (15-8 in June), Saunders is both a good bet for production and two wins.

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