Posted by Rob McQuown on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 3:28 am

Starting Pitchers:

We don’t much like any of today’s SP options, though Jose Contreras is pitching at a very high level, and Cleveland can’t seem to win anything.   But the Tribe haven’t had too many problems hitting this year, and Grady and Pronk ppear to be back at almost full strength, so we’re going to stay away from the erratic Contreras.  Likewise, it’s tempting to suggest exciting Baltimore rookie David Hernandez against Seattle – at Seattle’s friendly park, nonetheless – since he’s shown he can get out minor-league hitters (such as most of Seattle’s starting 9).  But as good as he might become someday, it’s just too much risk, unless you’re really in need of some K’s and a “W”.  Kensin Kawakami sounds like as easy of a road winner as you’ll find, going against Kevin Hart’s first-ever start, but with Chipper hurt and Hart’s adrenaline, and the fans at Wrigley, it may not be quite so easy for him.  Someone had some interesting observations about Fukudome and Kawakami at Bleed Cubbie Blue in June, though – even though Brian Joseph opines that it’s not a real blog entry because it doesn’t mention OPS or VORP.

Batters:

- of Kosuke Fukudome appears to be comfortable leading off, and one would expect the Cubs to score more with Aramis returned.

- 3b Scott Rolen appears to be gaining popularity, but still almost meets the 50% threshhold we like to use.  Kazmir has been inept against RHB for over a year now, so it’s an easy play, but remember to bench your lefties against Kazmir.

-  DH Travis Hafner… in US Cellular Field?  He’s slugging almost .600, go for it!  Even without a position!

- ss Yunel Escobar is almost always a safe option.  We’re not thrilled about Hart’s chances, so look for Braves, even RHB’s.

- ss Cristian Guzman at Colorado against De La Rosa sounds good.

- Halfway home, and 1b/of Kendry Morales is hitting .285/14/45.  That’s .285/28/90 for a whole season.  With the positional flexibility, and the unbalanced platoon splits, he’s really almost a must-keep now, playing against almost all RHP.  Included is today’s victim, er, opponent, Padilla.

- Someone has to explain to us (well, to this writer, at least) how Jack Cust can have 42 runs scored and 42 RBI this year, while hitting just .225 for the A’s.  Sure, the 14 HR and all those walks (37) help, but that’s 28 runs and 28 RBI which involved another member of the team!  And we’re talking about a team which has 1960’s-style offensive stats (team line is .242/.314/.367, INCLUDING Cust’s okay stats).   Anyway, watching him swing at knuckleballs should be funny enough to roster him by itself.  But if Wakefield fails to get one to knuckle, HR #15 is indicated.

- Who really knows with a knuckleballer.  Don’t be afraid to play c Kurt Suzuki today if you need a backstop.

- c John Baker has been cold, but a trip to SF and some AB’s against Sadowski should heat things up.

- ss/3b Gordon Beckham is a decent play against Laffey today.And so far this season, the Indians bullpen couldn’t be any worse if they invited fans to pitch.

- 2b/of Skip Schumaker has been scoring runs against RHP all year, and Ludwick and Rasmus appear to be heating up.  Oh, did we mention that he’s facing Suppan.  Sounds like a plan!

- c Rod Barajas against Kazmir.

- Other decent options include: Billy Butler and Jose Guillen against French, and Colby Rasmus against Suppan.