Strategic Spot Starters: Special Edition

You've all been waiting for this--the "special edition" of our Strategic Spot Starters segment. Granted, it is only special because it runs Thursday through Sunday, so yes, the word "special" was blatant pandering to try to accumulate viewers. I'd like to blame CNN for infecting my vocabulary with the word pandering.

Thursday: Kyle Lohse gets San Diego at home, and they are pretty much my favorite spot start opponent. Two notes though; first, I personally would never play any of the Cardinals; Second, San Diego is the only team whose entire starting lineup I cannot name position-by-position. They are that un-noteworthy. Ubaldo Jimenez is a risky start against Pittsburgh at Coors, but is worth the nod if you are in head-to-head leagues and your opponent lucked into a stacked short week.

Friday: Mike Mussina is having a solid bounceback season, and I like his chances at home against Oakland. Another veteran, Greg Maddux, is nothing if not an intelligent pitcher, and probably knows how to pitch to the Cardinals after 56 career starts (26-20, with a 2.74 ERA). Hiroki Kuroda pitched decently against Arizona the last time they faced, and since he's been hot lately is worth a look. 

Saturday: Greg Smith against New York is an interesting spot start, since ordinarily the Yankees aren't your ideal "roll-over-and-die" opponent. However, their problems with lefty pitchers are so great they are seriously considering adding Richie Sexson, so... Gavin Floyd against the Royals is a traditional start, and he might be available in some leagues due to the recent inflation of his ERA.

Sunday: Andrew Miller dominated the Phillies the last time they faced, and as long as the game is in Florida I trust him to have some K-upside and decent peripherals. San Francisco is another traditional spot start opponent, but Manny Parra's road woes are a concern of mine. Career numbers of Derek Lowe and Tim Wakefield also ward me away from their starts at Arizona and Anaheim, respectively.