1. Andrew McCutchen (OF - Pirates) - McCutchen had himself a day on Wednesday, cranking out 2 HRs and driving in 4. He has now eclipsed the 20/20 mark with 22 HR and 20 SB with a few weeks left to go in the season. While the strikeouts are up, so are the walks which yields a very impressive .372 OBP to produce an .845 OPS. At just 24, you're looking at a superstar for many years to come. I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit 30/30 one day, but his value and statistical forecast for 2012 will still likely be in the 20/20 realm for at least one more year.
2. Brandon Beachy (SP - Braves) - It wasn't an official quality start, but 5.2 IP with just 2 hits and 1 ER against one of the best teams in the league is awfully close. He held the Phillies to just 1 BB as well as he struck out 7. He left with the lead, but the Phillies came back and he didn't factor into the decision. Beachy has just had a tremendous season, posting a 3.29 ERA and 1.13 WHIP but most impressively, putting up a K/9 of 10.14 and a K/BB of 3.94. Did we mention he's just a rookie and only had 3 big league starts prior to 2011? The Braves have relied on pitching all year, both starters and relievers and Beachy is one of the fixtures. I don't like to speculate on rookie pitchers, but if he was forgotten on draft day this year, he certainly will be remembered in 2012.
3. Carlos Pena (1B - Cubs) - He's not exactly everything you would want out of a fantasy first basemen, but it sure is hard to argue with his AB/HR of 16.9. He hit his 26th HR of the season last night, giving him 72 RBI and driving his OPS to .816. Sure, the .227 average sticks out like a sore thumb, but who cares? He is also posting a .355 OBP and 49 of his 100 hits have come for extra bases. He's a cheap option that flirts with 30 HR every year. It remains to be seen what team he will be with in 2012, but if the ballpark is even halfway hitter-friendly and he gets regular playing time, you can pencil him in for at least another 25-30 HR.
4. Aaron Harang (SP - Padres) - Anyone been watching Aaron Harang lately? The guy has been on fire and his ownership is up to about 70%. He has 4 straight quality starts and with another win yesterday, brings his record to 13-5. The strikeouts aren't what they used to be (K/9 of just 6.65), but he does keep the walks in check with a K/BB of 2.1 and scatters hits in a massive park with an overall of 1.39. If his 15 starts at home are statistically significant enough, he is certainly getting help from Petco. At home, he boasts a 3.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and .243 OAVG. On the road, while his record is 6-1, he is getting plenty of run support as he posts a 4.47 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and .319 OAVG. Harang may be a good start at home against good matchups, but I'd hate for my season to rely on him down the stretch for a road start. He'll be a two-start pitcher next week, against the Giants on the road and then back home against the Diamondbacks. Since AT&T is a favorable ballpark situation, I would consider him a decent play.
5. Mike Leake (SP - Reds) - After pitching the 2-hit gem on Tuesday, it was speculated the Reds would shut Leake down for the season. Well, that news changed on Wednesday and Leake will get one more start (likely Monday against the Cubs). Since this is now known to be his last start, I'm sure Leake is going to go all out and leave nothing in the tank. Against a weak team like Chicago, I'm putting him back in there given his last few effective starts.
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