NEW YORK YANKEES

Jaret Wright has not lasted more than 6 innings in any of his 21 starts this year.  However, he has gone at least 5 innings in 18 of those starts.  His underlying stats are pedestrian, a K/9 of 5,4, a BB/9 of 3.4, and a G/F ratio of 0.98.  But pitching for major league’s third best offense, he has stuck around long enough to get 9 wins.  This makes him a decent bet for those chasing wins without doing too much damage to your ERA or WHIP.

With a little more bullpen support, Randy Johnson’s ERA could be at least a full run lower.  He has consistently been good for 5 to 7 innings per start and has a powerful Yankee offense behind him. Use him with confidence the rest of the way.

Carl Pavano finally threw in a minor league rehab game, allowing 3 runs in 2.2 innings against Single-A competition.  He is due to make five to six more rehab starts before the Yankees activate him.  Don’t count on him for any help this season.

Gary Sheffield took groundballs at first base and is hoping for an early September return, though mid-September seems more realistic.  Hideki Matsui has yet to be cleared to take batting practice.  It is looking like a mid-September return at the earliest for him.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Adam Loewen’s performance of 6.1 innings of 1 hit ball against the Yankees on August 5th obscured the 5 walks he allowed.  He was not so fortunate in his next outing at Fenway Park, in which he lasted just 2.1 innings and surrendered 6 ER.  His BB/9 of 6.1 is much too high for consistent major league success.  Avoid him until he cuts that in at least half.

Melvin Mora’s power numbers have declined in 2006.  With a G/F ratio and contact rate consistent with previous seasons, the cause would seem to age related.  At 34 years old, he is at an age when power begins to erode.  The .340 batting average from 2004 is also looking like a career year.  His current .282 average is more in line with his skill set.

Don’t be fooled by Daniel Cabrera’s successful first start against Toronto upon his return from the minors.  His 3.32 BB/9 in the four minor leagues starts was too high a number against inferior competition.  In his second start, he reverted to his wild ways by allowing 5 walks in 4 innings against the Red Sox.

It looks like Jay Gibbons will not be able to play the field for the rest of the year.  Kevin Millar and Jeff Conine should split time at first base, Conine and Brandon Fahey will share left field and Nick Markakis will play right field.

BOSTON RED SOX

Tim Wakefield is reportedly targeting August 21st as his return date from his injured rib cage. 

Trot Nixon, who is eligible to come off the DL today, will not be ready for another week.  Wily Mo Pena will continue to get the bulk of the starts in right field.  Pena has some nice power skills and improving his G/F ratio from 1.45 last year to 1.04 this year takes advantage of Fenway’s Green Monster.  Another area where he has shown growth is his batting average against right-handed pitching.  In the 2004 and 2005 seasons, he hit .244 and .234 against them.  So far this season, he is batting .371 against right-handers, which should pave the way to being the everyday right fielder in 2007.  On the downside a 68% contact rate and .25 batting eye are not the numbers of a .318 hitter.  Look for his average to come down.

On Sunday, Manny Ramirez had his hitting streak snapped at 27 games.  He is now batting .323.  At 34 years of age, his power is showing no signs of slowing down.  He remains a top fantasy performer.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

B.J. Upton has struggled in his first 42 AB this season with a .214 average.  He wasn’t hitting for much power in Triple-A and he has not hit with any for the Rays.  He was demonstrating good strike zone judgment in the minors, but so far, with a .17 batting eye, that has not transferred to the majors.  His inability to get on base has also prevented him from taking advantage of his blazing speed.  The sample size is small and not only will he start for the rest of the season, he is also now in the leadoff spot.  Those in need of steals should stay with him.

Elijah Dukes is serving a 30-game suspension imposed by the team that will keep him out until the final week of the minor league season.  His latest incident of a reported altercation with his manager eliminates any chance that he will be called up in September.

The fact that the Devil Rays didn’t use B.J. Upton’s negative comments about the organization as an impediment to calling him up to the majors, gives co-conspirator Delmon Young some hope for a September call-up.

Brian Meadows is a perfect 8 for 8 in save situations.  With a below average closer skill set of a 4.63 K/9 and a .84 G/F ratio, it will not last.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Frank Catalanotto is using his above average batting eye, an A.L. best of 1.49, and a solid contact rate of 91% to produce a .309 batting average.  With just 7 home runs, he doesn’t bring much power to the table, but the high batting average is supported by a very good skill set and makes him worth using in mixed leagues.

In six tries as a starter, Shaun Marcum is 1-2, with a 4.65 ERA, 5.89 K/9, and a 3.72 BB/9.  On the positive side, as a starter he has reduced his walks, but on the flip side his K’s have also declined.  He is worth keeping on eye on because of the high K’s that he put up in Triple-A and in relief with the Blue Jays this year.