Strategic Spot Starting - Weekend Edition

There is a reason I do this series rather than Pete. As I mentioned, we are playing only are second head-to-head series in an ESPN league, and right now, we are dead tied at seven categories a piece. While he is narrowly beating me in every offensive category (the loss of Soriano is missed), I have taken significant leads in each pitching category. So who should he pick up to have a chance?

Friday: Mike Mussina against Cincinnati should be good for a win, as the Yankees have been on fire lately. Suppan against Baltimore and Millwood at Washington are the only matchups I'd otherwise consider, as the Tim Wakefield-St. Louis matchup scares me a little. Of those two, Suppan has been the better pitcher as of late with an ERA below two while pitching at home.

Saturday: Gil Meche at San Francisco seems obvious, but he has struggled at home and everyone must come to terms with the unexpected decency of San Francisco hitters. Jesse Litsch against the Pirates is a similar story, though I like the latter's stuff enough to warrant a start. Hopefully, Dana Eveland is owned, but if not I'd consider playing him against Florida since a home game should limit the Fish Fire Power. Finally, Nick Blackburn at home is always a good matchup, and going up against the Diamondbacks offense is no exception. Coincidently, I like each of these starts in the reverse order that they were presented.

Sunday: Just as Dana Eveland should be owned, and will benefit from Oakland's ballpark, so should Andrew Miller. He's facing Duchscherer, so the win isn't probable, but strikeouts and quality innings should be there. Manny Parra faces off against Garrett Olson, and both are worthy of a pick up although Parra looks best with that 2.47 home ERA.