Sox In Desperate Need Of Home Cooking

Erik Pesta
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

After losing four out of five games and getting nipped in the ninth inning of their latest contest, the Red Sox now return home to face the first place Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Toronto has surprised just about everyone while taking the lead in a division many thought would be dominated by Boston, New York, and Tampa. It's been a tough road for the Sox lately, as injuries and inferior starting pitching leave them sitting three games behind the Jays in the American League Eastern Division, and just six games above .500 (22-16). However, Boston is 13-4 at home this season, and that's where they'll be for the next six games. After Toronto, the Mets come to town for the first round of Interleague play of 2009.

Nick Green made two errors in yesterday's frustrating loss in Seattle. On what should have been the third out, the Boston shortstop threw the ball over the head of first baseman Jeff Bailey, allowing Roger Cedeno to reach second base. After Ichiro was intentionally walked to load the bases, Franklin Gutierrez knocked in the game winner for the Mariners, who took two out of three over the weekend. Ramon Ramirez was the hard luck loser on Sunday, his first defeat in what has been a very impressive season.

Terry Francona finally saw the writing on the wall and benched a struggling David Ortiz for the entire series in Seattle. Rocco Baldelli, who subbed for Ortiz in the DH role all weekend, probably wishes he didn't. The local kid took the collar in the series, going 0-for-11 with five strikeouts. That has to hurt. Ortiz is scheduled to be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Hopefully he used his time off to find his power stroke. Last time I checked, he was still homerless on the year.

In the first game of the Toronto series, Tim Wakefield (4-2, 4.03 ERA) takes the mound against Brian Tallet (2-1, 4.68 ERA). Wakefield, who lost last time out but had been hot for the previous few starts, looks to get back on track against a good, young lineup. Aaron Hill and Adam Lind are two names you might not know right now, but you will soon. Hill leads the Blue Jays in batting average (.345) and homers (11), while Lind paces the Jays in RBI (35) and OPS (969). As a team, Toronto is first in the American League in batting average (.291) and second in ERA (3.90). They do all of this while performing in baseball's toughest division. Simply put, this team isn't going to fade and they aren't going to back down. Led by Roy Halladay, arguably baseball's best pitcher, the Jays are gearing up for a slug fest that will last deep into September, if not beyond.

Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So you're offense is loaded, but you once again elected to scrap pitching? Well, it happens more than you think in fantasy baseball. Everyone falls in love with the home runs and RBIs -- even stolen bases, for that matter -- but pitching is usually an afterthought, especially closers. But in order to win a title, you've got to have a balanced team, that means offense and PITCHING.

While it's always nice to draft an ace to anchor your staff, many don't want to pay the steep price to land a Santana or Lincecum. But remember, there are arms out there that have been outstanding thus far, and many of which have become major surprises.

So here's a breakdown of the surprises so far, and I'll even sprinkle in sell-fast candidates.

NICE FREE AGENT PICKUP

Wandy Rodriguez (HOU) -- Wandy has four wins and a great 1.90 ERA. And he's still only owned in 81 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Edwin Jackson (DET) -- Jackson (58 percent owned), a former Ray, has always had a plus-fastball, but he now seems to have put it all together on the hill. Don't be fooled, however, he's not going to keep this up all season (3 wins, 2.42 ERA, 1.04 WHIP).

Matt Palmer (LAA) -- Who is this guy? He doesn't overpower anyone, but he's been solid so far for the Angels. As soon as there's more film on this guy, I'm going to bet hitters will have a better idea on how to attack him. But right now, only owned in 18 percent of leagues, Palmer is as good as anyone, well maybe not Greinke, but 4 wins and 0.98 WHIP scream "Pick me up immediately."

Brian Bannister (KC) -- Bannister has no doubt solidified his spot in Kansas City's rotation. He's not a household name, but people should start catching on that he's been a decent source of wins (3), ERA (1.80) and WHIP (1.17). Bet he's available in your league (available in 64 percent of leagues).

SELL, SELL, SELL

Randy Johnson (SF) -- The Big Unit has been a Big Bust so far. A 6.86 ERA, 1.55 WHIP. Perhaps retirement is on Randy's mind? Just saying!

Jamie Moyer (PHI) -- Another over-the-hill member, Moyer's changeup is being confused with his fastball and that's never a good sign. Hitters must love teeing off on Moyer this year (8.15 ERA, 1.84 WHIP).

Armando Galarraga (DET) -- When things were going good, I said don't trade him unless you're getting a top-25 player, so I'm hoping owners in your league were in love with him and decided to give you a B.J. Upton-type of player. He lasted only two-thirds on an inning in his Sunday start, and he's given up at least 5 earned runs in his last three starts before yesterday. Can you say ice cold?

YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT

Tim Lincecum (SF) -- Come on now, Timmy Boy. As my No. 1-ranked starting pitching to begin the season, Timmy isn't making me look that good. Granted, he hasn't been bad, but I'm expecting more than a 3.75 ERA and 1.31 WHIP.

Jon Lester (BOS) -- Yes, I'm also calling out southpaw, Lester. There is now way he should have a 6.51 ERA and give up two HRs to Ichiro in his last start. He's also got a 1.62 WHIP. The numbers say he's going to turn it around, however. In 47 innings pitches, he's got 54 Ks, so his stuff is great, he's just not making good pitches with runners on and batters are making him pay. If you can get him now, do it, he'll turn it around soon.