Rummaging Through the Trash

“Rummaging Through the Trash” is the first of many features freely bestowed on our readers to help them get a leg up (or arm up in this instance) on the pitching competition. Here we will list the top 5 pickups for the day, and a daily recommendation. Since not all of us had the foresight to draft Roy Halladay, Brandon Webb and Tim Lincecum; paying attention here should help you get by with a flawed rotation. Remember the classic fantasy motto: “Never trade hitting for pitching.”

Without further adieu, here are todays pickups and the risk involved:

Jason Bergmann – Washington Nationals: Bergmann has been a bright spot on a team that has had to live and die by its pitching. Despite his one win, he has struck out over a batter an inning while keeping a low WHIP. His ERA should not be much of an issue against an even worse San Francisco lineup, although Tim Lincecum is his likely opponent. Expect a pitching heavy game. Value: K, ERA, WHIP

Darrell Rasner – New York Yankees: Rasner, like Bergmann is a bright spot for a injury-riddled and ineffective Yankee rotation. Four of his first five starts to 2008 have been deemed as “quality starts,” with his last outing falling short. After watching his last (non-quality) start, he was not fully at fault. His offense let him down, his defense let him down, not to mention he was pitching against a hot team on the road. I am willing to forgive him, guessing he still has enough in him to dominate Kansas City. Value: W, ERA, WHIP

Bartolo Colon – Boston Red Sox: A very popular pickup as of late, and by all means he should be. The man used to be a fantasy force and now he is on a hot streak with the defending World Champions. I, however, am not in the least sold. Only one of his three starts has been quality, and considering he faced Seattle, Baltimore and Kansas City, I don’t see success in his future. Pair that with the fact that he is giving up a hit per inning and soon to face more potent offenses. Sell Sell Sell after he wipes the floor with Seattle’s jerseys. Value: W, K, ERA.

Sean Gallagher – Chicago Cubs: Another cubbie starter who looks better than Rich Hill. Although he may give up a few more hits than I would like, the kid throws strikes and gets hitters out. I like how he lines up against Los Angeles, he threw a good seven against them last week. If the stars align, I could see him getting an elusive road win. Value: W, K, WHIP.

Don’t Bother – The Rest: Really don’t bother, there will be another day. Randy Wolf, Ian Snell and Andrew Miller are way too risky to use here. Everyday springs a new crop of probables, and the rest of these guys are simply not worth it. Value: None.

Please remember that the analysis written today is merely one man’s opinion and to not bet the farm. Hope this all helps, and feel free to email me with any questions at info@defineconsistent.com