This column focuses on the top three successful outings of the day before. These guys are most likely available in your league and worth a hard look before they throw their next pitch.
Mike Mussina – New York Yankees: Moose recently gave up five hits, one walk and one earned run over six innings, striking out six notching his ninth win of the season. The strikeouts are certainly a characteristic of a younger Moose, however his control was spot on last night. Not only was he getting ahead of batters but he also did not hit the panic button with runners on base. The nine wins should ensure Moose may not be available too much longer. He is consistently winning now, but expect a few stinkers to raise his ERA to about 4.5 at the very least. Value: Buy and Sell higher
Ted Lilly – Chicago Cubs: Lilly is overshadowed this year by the success of Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster, however he has pitched adequately enough to gain fantasy merit. His near strikeout per inning pace has helped owners forget the stinkers he has thrown against Colorado and Pittsburgh. In addition, his team for the most part ensures him a chance at a win. Even though he lost last nights start against the Padres, sporting a line of 7.1 IP 7 H 2 ER 2 BB 8 K, he deserves a spot as a fifth starter on any team. Value: Spot-start or Back-of-the-rotation guy.
Manny Parra – Milwaukee Brewers: If there is anyone who can make the Brew Crew’s season seem optimistic, it would be a healthy and successful Parra. Like Lilly, Parra is a strikeout pitcher, or at least has tried to do so at the big league level. His start against the healthy Arizona offense yielded four hits and two walks, striking out eight and giving up one earned run. There is nothing more the Brewers would like than to slot him as their number two starter, and with the injuries of Yovani Gallardo and Chris Capuano, he seems more than up to the task. Like Lilly, slot him in as your fifth starter, strikeout potential on the waiver wire is hard to come by. Value: Back-of-the-rotation guy
Check back tomorrow for more Heroes for a Day!
