Posted by Rob McQuown on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 1:43 am

Starting Pitchers:

Mostly, today’s available starting pitchers are all guys to avoid unless you’re hard up for pitching totals stats (wins and K’s).  Ubaldo Jimenez is a very good pitcher, but at home (Colorado) against Haren is no picnic.  Brian Bannister is a guy on whom we keep waiting around for the “other shoe” to drop, but his season stats are fine, and he’s facing the light-hitting ChiSox and Richard, against whom the Royals should score.  Talented rookie Rick Porcello would be a better choice if Minnesota didn’t have Mauer and Morneau, and if he struck out more than a guy every 2 IP.  So, no strong recommendations today, but the above 3 guys are the best of what’s available.

Catchers - none look really great, with Yadier Molina, Kelly Shoppach (if he plays), John Baker, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Dioner Navarro being somewhat playable.

[ed - I posted this, and then set about making my moves, and realized that Miguel Montero is probably the best available catcher play today, with Ubaldo being weaker against LHB, and Montero being hot, and in Colorado today.  I'm using him in 11- and 12-team formats today.]

First Basemen -  Billy Butler, Martin Prado, Lyle Overbay, Nick Johnson, Ty Wigginton, Chris Duncan.

Second Basemen – Martin Prado, Casey McGehee, Maicer Izturis, Mike Fontenot (if he plays), Skip Schumaker

Third Basemen -  Martin Prado, Casey McGehee, Ty Wigginton, Mike Fontenot/Jake Fox, Gordon Beckham

Shortstops – Maicer Izturis, Yunel Escobar, Gordon Beckham

Outfielders -  Juan Rivera, Milton Bradley, Hideki Matsui, J.D. Drew, Gary Sheffield, Ryan Church, Denard Span, Skip Schumaker