Posted by Rob McQuown on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 10:36 am

Starting Pitchers:

- One SP pick stands out today, though even Koji Uehara against the M’s is risky, since he’s coming off a DL stint. But we still like him in that matchup.

- Some others are worth considering in dire straights: Paul Maholm @ATL, Nick Blackburn @OAK, Aaron Cook @MIL (though the Brewers are less righty-imbalanced than they used to be), and Gavin Floyd home against Detroit.

Batters:

- ss Yunel Escobar, who is quietly on pace for 90-15-90-6, with a .300 AVG.

- c Yadier Molina against Andrew Miller.

- 1b Nick Johnson against Owings.

- 1b Lyle Overbay is in Texas, facing a RHP (who he hits much better), and coming off Player of the Week honors. He’d be higher on this list if it wasn’t Millwood he was facing, but Millwood’s always been somewhat vulnerable to LHB.

- 2b Alberto Callaspo is going against Sowers, which could mean another nice day for him.

- c A.J. Pierzynski at home against Jackson, though Jackson has been as hot as any pitcher this year.

- of Melky Cabrera is a great play at Boston (Penny).

- 2b Adam Kennedy – why not? It’s only Nick Blackburn.

- of Elijah Dukes against Owings.

- c Kurt Suzuki, if you still need a catcher.

- 2b/3b Mike Fontenot is a great play at Russ Ortiz.

- of Marlon Byrd home against LHP Romero.

None of the other shortstops can be recommended, so just take a 1-day zero if you have to. Better than a terrible matchup.