Joba Chamberlain (SP - Yankees) - After hurling three consecutive quality starts to end the month of July, Joba has given up 4 ER or more in each of his 4 starts this month including a 7-spot in just 4.0 IP last night against the Rangers. He allowed 9 hits and 3 BB while striking out 5, taking the loss and keeping fantasy owners frustrated by his recent performance. Not only has he not been pitching well, but at some point, the Yankees will seriously begin limiting his innings. That should result in a fantasy value decline down the homestretch as the Joba Rules are executed over the next couple of weeks.
Justin Masterson (SP - Indians) - Masterson wasn't as sharp as he was in his previous outing, but it wasn't absolutely terrible either. He gave up 4 ER in 6.0 IP on 7 hits, 2 BB, and 4 K's. In his last start, Masterson threw over 100 pitches for the first time since early May and with 98 pitches yesterday, this was another high pitch count day. Its no secret that Masterson has tremendous upside, but has just been inconsistent both with the BoSox and with the Tribe. This week, his ownership has increased because of his two favorable matchups against the Royals last night (didn't quite work out) and the Orioles on Sunday.
Kevin Millwood (SP - Rangers) - It wasn't his sharpest outing, by far, but Millwood was still lucky enough to earn the "W" with a 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, and 5 BB performance. Millwood has been a completely different pitcher the 2nd half of the season. Before the break, Millwood posted a 3.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a BAA of .250. After the mid-summer classic, he is posting a 4.35 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and a BAA of .277. You have to wonder if the soon-to-be 35-year-old Millwood is tiring down the homestretch (you know, the classic "Fatigue Theory" in Texas). He only has one quality start in his four trips to the mound in August and his walk total is skyrocketing, posting 5 walks in two separate occasions and 14 walks in 23 IP in August.
Jason Bay (OF - Red Sox) - Bay loves to go on these HR binges (and you won't hear me complaining). With another dinger last night, Bay now has 8 for the month of August and 28 for the season. Its been a season of ups and down (with his average declining from .301 on May 21st all the way to .257 now), but the power has remained relatively constant all season. He is averaging a HR for every 15.0 AB, which is even better than the rates he posted when he hit 30 HR with the Pirates (32 HR in 2005 for a rate of 18.7 and 35 in 2006 with a rate of 16.3).
Carlos Pena (1B - Rays) - Over the last three years, Pena has done nothing but hit HR at a tremendous rate. With another 2 last night, Pena now has 37 for the year for a HR for every 11.6 AB. That's even better than last year's rate of 15.8, but a slight decline from 2007 of 10.7. Overall, he has hit 114 HR in a 3-year span at a rate of one for every 12.4 AB and has been one of the most consistent power hitters in the league. I personally believe he's underrated and its easily proven by asking your fellow fantasy players of their top 10 fantasy power hitters. Pena is easily forgotten in Tampa Bay, but should get credit where its deserved. He currently leads the American League in HR, followed by Russell Branyan who is 6 away from Pena.
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