Strategic Spot Starters: Week Edition

I've expanded my list of worthy starters this week, since I think it's about this point in the year that some "name recognition" players are finally dropped when they should have been for weeks (ex. Joe Blanton). Let's look at the Mon-thru-Thurs.

Monday: Despite the addition of new names, not many pitchers go today beyond Tim Wakefield. Wakefield was great in his last start against Seattle, which can be attributed to above-average control. I like the start since he hasn't faced Baltimore this year, meaning the slew of imports are relatively unfamiliar with his knuckler.

Tuesday: I don't like Garza at Boston, but I do like Boston's starter, Justin Masterson. He's given up one run and no more than three hits in his only two starts this year, holding apponents to a .128 BAA. His control is bad, but the Rays are free swingers. Dana Eveland at home is always a decent start, even against the Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde of Detroit's offense. Padilla has surprised me in the past, but his 7.09 career ERA against Cleveland concerns me, even if their offense is a shell of year's past.

Wednesday: If John Danks isn't owned (and he should be), add him against the Royals for a nice "Welcome matchup". Same goes for Wellemeyer in our nation's capital. The Mike Mussina-Jesse Litsch matchup offers two decent options, with a slight lean toward the veteran since Litsch is a righty. Duchscherer offers what Eveland does, with more long term value this season if you're willing to hold on to him. Aaron Cook, on the other hand, has little long term value, but his matchup at the Dodgers could be good for a win and solid peripherals.

Thursday: Jair Jurrjens had a rough outing against the Reds, and the Florida Fish offer a similar matchup, bringing lots of fire power and little plate discipline. Jon Lester is an okay matchup on Thursday against the Rays, though I'd take any of the guys mentioned for Wednesday before risking his favorite vice: "walk-home run" combination. In deeper leagues, Garett Olson is worth a look. Minnesota hasn't been noticeably terrible with the bat lately, but they've never seen Olson's stuff and the Twin's ballpark favors pitchers.