With Fantasy trade deadlines fast approaching, there are still players available for any Fantasy team. To know who they are one must read this week’s Start/Sit.

Starting Pitcher in focus: Joe Blanton

In his last six starts, he is 3-2, with a 1.87 ERA. During that span, he has pitched into the eighth inning in all but one start and is holding opponents to a WHIP of 0.95. He is scheduled to pitch against the Chicago Cubs and in two career starts, he has an ERA of 2.13, making him a great start for week 19.

Pitchers we love for week 19: Gavin Floyd, Edwin Jackson, Joba Chamberlain, Matt Garza, J.A. Happ, Jorge De La Rosa, Nick Blackburn, Doug Davis, Rick Porcello, John Lannan, Rich Harden

Starter to Avoid for week 19: Mike Pelfrey

In his last six starts, he is 2-4, with an ERA of 6.06. During that span, he allowed 40 hits in his last 32 2/3 inning pitch and has a WHIP of 1.65. Since the All-Star break, opponents are hitting .293 against him, making him a risky start for week 19.

Other Starters to Avoid for week 19: Jonny Cueto, Jonathan O. Sanchez, Brad Penny

Position Players: Infielders:

1B Billy Butler finished July red hot and has continued in August. In 22 games since the All-Star break, he is hitting .341, with five home runs, and 19 RBI. His OPS is 1.038, and has scored 13 runs during his hot streak. He is a definite must start in any fantasy league for week 19.

In his last 12 games, 2B Eugenio Velez is hitting .423, with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Since his call up, he has been on fire and is eligible in the outfield. He has emerged as a viable option, and is a recommended NL-Only start for week 19.

SS Jhonny Peralta has started to produce for Fantasy owners. In his last 21 games, he is hitting .329, with three home runs, and 21 RBI. His OPS is .871 during that span and he has reemerged as a mixed league option for week 19.

In his last 23 games, 3B Gordon Beckham has three home runs with 20 RBI, and is hitting .361. The Chicago White Sox will play all six games next week on the road, where he has done the majority of his damage. In 24 road games, he has five home runs with 23 RBI, and is hitting .382.

Infielder to Avoid: Garrett Atkins

In 17 games since the All-Star break, he is hitting .206, with one home run, and seven RBI. His OPS during that stretch is a mere .694. He has been struggling and should be on the bench for week 19.

Outfielders:

OF Denard Span is becoming a valuable player in AL-Only leagues. Since the All-Star break, he is hitting .326, with one home run, nine RBI, and 13 runs scored. If available, he deserves to start for week 19.

Over his last 19 games OF Franklin Gutierrez is hitting .297, with three home runs, and 11 RBI. He is having a career year and has reemerged as a solid Fantasy Outfielder for AL-Only leagues.

Over his last 12 games OF Dexter Fowler is on fire. Over that span, he has two RBI, two stolen bases, and is hitting .382. He is now a viable option for NL-Only leagues for week 19.

Outfielder to Avoid in week 19: Nate McLouth  

Over his last 23 games, McLouth is hitting .216, with one home run, and seven RBI. He injured his hamstring over the weekend, making him an injury risk for week 19.

Catchers: Omir Santos

In his last 13 games, he has two home runs, and four RBI. With Brian Schneider struggling, Santos will be the benefactor. Do not hesitate to plug him as a No. 2 Fantasy catcher for week 19.

Catcher to Avoid: Jason Varitek

Relief Pitchers: Mike MacDougal

He has not allowed a run in his last five appearances, and has converted all five save opportunities in August. On the year, he has converted 11 of 12 save opportunities and has an ERA of 2.54. Fantasy owners looking for saves should consider him for week 19.

Relief Pitcher to Avoid: Kevin Gregg

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Big O Show
written by John Arias, August 10, 2009

Dear Big O Show,

Everyone makes mistakes and good thing Velez is eligible at 2nd base. Would you consider him for your team? Thanks again and look forward to your future comments.

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written by The Big O Show, August 10, 2009

Good thing defense doesn't count because that play by Velez in the outfield yesterday was brutal.

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