Posted by Rob McQuown on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 11:05 pm

Season Moves:

Did you know that Joe Saunders has 5 wins, a 2.66 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP? Well, he does. And he’s available in about 33% of leagues. Don’t bother playing him Thursday against Boston, but when you consider that this excellent start is essentially an extension of his outstanding 2008, he probably shouldn’t be available, even if he’s not whiffing people.

Arizona outfielder Gerardo Parra was decimating AA, and while a slump could get him demoted again, it’s possible he won’t ever give up his lineup spot after homering in his first AB. Like Dexter Fowler, he’s a great speed guy who should develop power with time, though maybe not this year.

Starting Pitchers:

John Maine appears to be in good form this year, and the Giants behind Jon Sanchez should be strong underdogs to the Mets.

Dave Bush has a 1.05 WHIP, after posting a 1.14 WHIP in 2008. His bugaboo is the HR, and the Brewers are likely to come up short against Josh Johnson, but Bush should help your rate stats anyway.

Batters:

Catchers: Ivan Rodriguez is probably the safest play, going to Colorado. Some good L/R matchups are undermined by high-quality SP, but still are reasonable to consider: Jason Varitek (@Saunders), John Baker (@Bush), Rod Barajas (vs CC).

CI (1b/3b): 1b Kendry Morales has been hot, and is facing “Bad” Brad Penny. 2b/3b Mike Fontenot should be a good play against Gaudin. 1b/3b Casey Blake hits LHP pretty well, and if Hamels isn’t at his best, Blake could do some damage in Philly.

MI (2b/ss): 2b/3b Mike Fontenot, 2b Aki Iwamura, 2b Kaz Matsui, and 2b Luis Castillo are all reasonable plays, depending on which stats you need (really Fontenot for HR, the others for SB/AVG/runs). None of the SS options look very good, but ss Yuniesky Betancourt could be a good play at Texas against lefty Matt Harrison.

of: Check the latest news on Milton Bradley’s suspension to insure he’s in the lineup, but if he is, he’s a must-play. Michael Bourn is still available in 70% of leagues. He’s a good play against Hammel.