Chris Capuano (SP--Mets) When the Mets signed Chris Capuano during the off-season, they knew it was one of those low-risk/high-reward deals. For $1.5 million, the lefty came cheap. Sure, he been oft-injured but the Mets knew that he was capable of having electric stuff as long as he remained healthy. Pitching against the tough Atlanta Braves on Friday, Capuano pitched a complete game, two-hit shutout, walking no one and striking out thirteen Braves. It was Capuano's tenth victory of the season and he was able to lower his ERA down to a serviceable 4.43. On the whole, Capuano has had an uneven year; one good outing followed by a poor one. But he's had solid component stats with a 7.62 K/9 and a 2.72 BB/9. His FIP has been better than his ERA at 4.21 which should go even lower after Friday. Home runs have been his main nemesis having allowed 21 on the season but he is on pace for around 185 innings which isn't bad. Capuano is probably best used sparingly. Pick your match-ups carefully. Know that he is capable of pitching a dud just as well as pitching a stellar game as he did on Friday.
Roy Oswalt (SP--Phillies) After pitching eight shutout innings against the Nationals his last time out, Roy Oswalt got ricked by the Marlins on Friday taking his eighth loss of the year against six wins. He got hit up for twelve hits in 5.2 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) which bumped his ERA to 3.77 on the season. Injuries have played a large part in Oswalt's 2011 season as it has in season before. But of late, he seems to be slipping some, having an ERA of 4.88 in his last eight starts along with a 3-5 record and batters hitting .330 off of him. Going forward, I have mixed feeling about Oswalt. Yes, he plays for a great team that will support him and score him runs, but I worry about a pitcher who has a history of back problems and has been having problems with consistency in the latter part of the year.
Huston Street (RP--Rockies) Huston Street was activated off the 15-day DL on Friday and showed no lingering effects from a triceps injury he sustained. Street looked solid in his two rehab outings prior to coming off the DL. He didn't allow a run in either appearance. However, the frustrating news for fantasy owners is that manager Jim Tracy is not ready to hand the closer role back over to Street just yet. Rafael Betancourt will continue to get the save chances for now with Street taking on the role of the setup guy. Although this will only help owners in leagues that reward middle men, one would have to expect that this role is temporary and Street will find himself taking the mound in the 9th inning in a short amount of time. For now, hold on to him until he resumes his ninth inning duties.
Paul Goldschmidt (1B--Diamondbacks) Rookie Paul Goldschmidt continues to find playing time in the Diamondbacks lineup. He's done a respectable job with five home runs through 65 at-bats since his debut. He's also showed some decent speed on the bases as he nabbed his third stolen base on Friday. Batting .261 on the season, he has had his share of adjustment problems as he gets acquainted with major-league pitching. Most notable, he's been pretty susceptible to the strikeout having whiffed 27 times in those first 65 at-bats. In the minors, Goldschmidt has shown big power with 83 home runs over the course of three seasons and batted .317. Being a big swinger, strikeouts will probably be an issue, especially early on. He's an interesting player to grab right now, but you shouldn't expect a lot of consistency. He will probably hit a home run one day and then strike out four times the next. He's certainly a nice long-term keeper prospect though.
John Buck (C--Marlins) John Buck smacked a grand slam off of Roy Oswalt on Friday night for his sixteen home run of the year. Amongst catchers Buck is tied for sixth in home runs along with Alex Aliva of Detroit and one behind Russell Martin of the Yankees. Problem is that Buck doesn't really contribute much else. He's .235 batting average, 16% line drive rate and 20% strikeout rate isn't conducive to a positive fantasy output or expectations of anything better. With a weighted on-base average of just .312, it shows Buck's lack of overall contribution. If you need power, he's a great choice.
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