Johan Santana wasn't dominating in his first start this year but despite his dirtied past he's beginning to shake his MO as a slow starter.

American League Hitter and Pitcher Report -- Week 2  
Contributed By: Dan Heyder

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Hitters: After career years in 2004 and 2005, 3B Melvin Mora’s numbers took a dip in the three major hitting categories -- batting average, homers and RBI. At the ripe ole’ age of 35, expecting anything more than .280-20-90-90-10 from him in 2007 in unreasonble.  The O's veteran is off to a quick start this season so enjoy the output while it lasts.

Pitchers: LHP Adam Loewen picked up his first win of the season against the Yankees on Friday night by allowing two runs and five hits in five innings. He's coming off a terrific spring (1.64 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 22 innings) and should be considered an outstanding sophomore-sleeper this season.

BOSTON RED SOX
Hitters: 1B David Ortiz owners are scratching their heads in wonderment this past week as their first round pick is not holding up his end of the bargain.  Big Papi is off to the slow start (2 for 15 with 6 K’s).  He looks uncomfortable at the plate thus far and doesn’t seem to be making solid contact and while still early, the results speak for themselves. His two hits however are doubles, which is a good sign.  Be patient.

Pitchers: Terry Francona said he would not be opposed to using closer Jon Papelbon in the eighth inning if the situation warranted it. Overuse hasn't been a problem for Papelbon so far in the opening week (1.0 IP in 4 games). Keep in mind that Papelbon pitched as a starter during spring training so the extra innings shouldn’t be a problem early on.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Hitters: For the first two years, 2B Tadahito Iguchi batted second and produced fine numbers for a middle tier second baseman; 2-year average .279-16-69.  Even though he’s off to a slow start, Iguchi's change to seventh in the lineup could give him a shot at putting up more RBIs. Expect him to rebound soon and start producing numbers similar to his 2-year average.

Pitchers: RHP Jose Contreras looked more like his actual age than what’s listed on his drivers license in Monday's opener. Contreras' velocity was down and he appeared disinterested during his brief stint on the mound.  Owners should be worried as he appears to be picking up right where he left off in the 2nd half of 2006 (4-9, 5.40 ERA).  Should he fail again in his next start, he will undoubtedly make the “cut list” in next week’s edition of  “Waiver Grumblings”.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Sizemore is off to a fast start in 2007. His three homeruns leads the league heading into Week 2.

Hitters: My pick for AL-MVP this year was Grady Sizemore (Yes, I made that pick prior to the season thank you very much) and so far this year the  prediction is holding water.  Sizemore is batting .429 with three homers and 4 RBIs in 14 at-bats. Sizemore keeps getting it done for Fantasy owners who used an early selection for him on Draft Day and he remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues…like I need to tell you that.

Pitchers: The closer competition was supposed to be hot and heavy this spring, but it never materialized. Keith Foulke announced his retirement in what seemed like nine minutes after signing his contract in mid-February, leaving Joe Borowski as the ninth-inning stopper.  It’s too early to tell but from the looks of his first two appearances; 2 hits allowed, 2 walks, 2 ERs with 1 save in 2.0 IP, it appears Borowski is on shaky ground.  Don't expect anything more than third-tier numbers from the Indians fireman.

DETROIT TIGERS
Hitters: A wrist injury cost Gary Sheffield four months of the 2006 season, but that isn't expected to be an issue moving forward. When healthy, Sheffield is a top run producer and a big-time power threat, but keep in mind he'll DH more often than not for the Tigers this year due to his age and the teams desire to keep him fresh.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Hitters: The Royals have two hitters that were projected to breakout this season.  1B Ryan Shealy is off to a slow start; 0 for his first 11 at-bats, and fellow teamate and rookie phenom 3B Alex Gordon is experiencing tough times as well going 1 for his first 15.  Based on what Shealy did last year following his late season trade to the Royals (.280 with seven homers, 36 RBIs and 29 runs scored in 193 at-bats) and the power Gordon displayed at AA Wichita (.325 with 29 homers, 101 RBIs and 111 runs scored in 486 at-bats) both should start producing sooner than later.

Pitchers: This is why you can’t rush out and pick up a pitcher based on only one outing.  RHP Gil Meche impressed the Fantasy Nation by dominating a tough Red Sox lineup on opening day to the tune of one ER over 7.1 IP while striking out seven  He followed that up by getting pounded by the Tigers Saturday; six ERs while giving up eight hits over 7.0 IP.  This is Meche at his finest; consistently inconsistent. Meche's true value rests in AL-only leagues.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Hitters: Could the fountain of youth have found its way to the bat of OF Garret Anderson? Anderson, who is hitting a light .238 with two RBIs, hit his first home run of the season Thursday going deep off Oakland’s Chad Gaudin. Most notable about Anderson is that his bat speed has improved this spring and he's healthy. He may not be the .300-30-100 player he once was, but if healthy he can produce 20 homers and a solid .280 or .290 average.

Pitchers: The Angels infirmary checked in with this latest report on two of

Weaver is scheduled to make his first start on Monday April 16 against Dice-K and the Red Sox. It will be a two-start week for the Angels right-hander that has him facing Seattle and possibly his brother Jeff in the second start.

their star pitchers.  RHP Jered Weaver, recovering from biceps tendinitis, pitched four solid innings for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga in a rehab start Friday. He walked one, struck out five and allowed two hits (including a home run).  Teammate RHP Bartolo Colon, working his way back from a rotator cuff injury that forced him to miss the final two months of 2006, pitched four scoreless innings for Rancho Cucamonga the night before Weaver. He allowed only one hit and a walk and struck out five over five scoreless innings. His fastball was clocked up to 95 mph.  Weaver remains on track to return April 16 against the Red Sox while Colon is expected to make two more rehab starts before returning to the Angels later in the month.

MINNESOTA TWINS
Hitters: Minnesota hitters have the Yahtzee schedule next week as the play all seven games at home (three to the struggling Yankee staff and then four with Tampa Bay).  In 2006 the Twins led the majors in batting average at home with a solid .298 and were the number two team with 818 hits.  Start your Twins hitters with confidence this week.

Pitchers: How special is this guy named Johan Santana? Consider that only 12 other pitchers have won multiple Cy Young Awards, and he's not done collecting them. The past three seasons, Santana has averaged more than 18 wins, 230 innings pitched and a sub 1.00 WHIP. The 28-year old left hander continues to strike out more than a batter per inning and he is beginning to shake his MO as a slow starter.