Daniel Cabrera kicked of the Orioles combined shutout of the Yankees on Wednesday with 6.2 shutout innings in which he allowed just 2 hits … but he walked 6 … ! … That is a season high and it shows why Daniel is one of the toughest trick or treat starters in the majors. So does his pitching log. In his last 6 starts he has allowed 7 runs (5.1 IP) once, 5 runs another game, 4 runs in a third …and three games in which he’s allowed 1 run or less. Three gems … three non-QS, including 2 with an ERA of 9+.  He is like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates … Daniel lines up for a two-start week last week drawing the Rangers and the Twins at home where he is 5-6 5.81 this year against 4-6, 3.79 on the road. Last year his home/road split was pretty level and he was much better at home in 2005 (6-9, 3.25) than on the road (4-4, 6.71) so I don’t know if there is much to pull from his 2007 split. It is as favorable a two-start as you are likely to see for Daniel. Nevertheless, that won’t help you sleep better. 

Jeremy Bonderman went 7 IP on Tuesday allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8. He wasn’t around to be involved in the Tigers 10^th inning win but lowers his ERA to 4.65. Sportsline notes this morning that Jeremy’s ERA in the first inning is 13.30 and he allowed both runs in the first inning last night. After the first Jeremy’s ERA this year is 3.07. Still, it is hard being comfortable with Jeremy given his 1-4, 7.53, 1.55 line since the ASB. It is time to start cherry picking his starts a bit until he rights the ship. He is schedule against the Yankees on Sunday if he goes on schedule and that start is just scary.

Scott Kazmir did all he could do against the Red Sox last night tossing 6 shutout innings at them at Fenway allowing just 4 hits and three walks while striking out 8. The Rays bullpen blew their 1-0 lead in the 9^th so no decision for Scott who lowers his ERA to 3.44. How hot is this guy? He has thrown 6 shutout IP in 3 of his last 4 starts albeit two of those starts have come against the Red Sox. Scott kills the Red Sox (1.50, 1.27 this year in 3 starts, 2.33, 0.92 last year in 4 starts), and he is lined up against Boston on Monday as part of a two-start week with Oakland being his second opponent.

Throwback. That’s the only to describe Roy Halladay who improved to 14-5 this season with a league leading 5^th CG against the Angels. He went the distance allowing the Halos just 5 hits and a walk while striking out just two and he did it in a remarkably tidy 99 pitches. Roy has 29 career CGs and he has now won three consecutive starts and improved his home split to 10-1 with a 3.36 ERA as opposed to his 3.99 overall ERA. All of his indicators show the wear of his recent health issues however. His 5.9 K rate, 1.8 BB rate, .265 OBA, 1.23 WHIP and career-low 1.8 GB ratio all show erosion. He is still among the best the AL has to offer and a must start in all formats. In keeper leagues however or if you are not contending, it might be time to deal him.

Kevin Millwood is installing a small mechanical change and over the last two starts at least the results have been positive. Kevin is now working from the first base side of the rubber and last night he held the Royals to one earned run (3 overall) in 7 IP on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 9 … Did I say nine? … Wow I did … “I'm getting more used to it each time out," Millwood said. "It feels good. I'm able to locate better. I was trying to throw everything across my body. This has freed my arm up a lot. It's making things easier." With the win Kevin improves to 8-9 with a 5.63 ERA. In his last start, the first since he changes positions on the rubber, Kevin allowed 3 runs in 6 IP against the A’s allowing 5 hits, 4 walks and collecting 6 strikeouts. It is too early to tell if this change has righted Kevin’s season to any great .. and lasting … degree, but either way he draws Johan Santana and the Twins on Sunday. Sit him for that one.

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