Strategic Spot Starters: Weekend Edition

Starting the fourth of July, this will be the last spot starting article until after the All Star Break. As the Rays try to hold onto a win over the Red Sox, capping a three game sweep of the defending champions, one must wonder what the future holds. At the very least, we should be able to designate most teams as buyers or sellers for the deadline, and the rumors should start flying. I guess I shouldn't get ahead of myself...

Friday: Jonathon Sanchez shouldn't be owned in your league, but if he is his matchup against Joe Torre's Dodgers should be a pretty one. On the other side of that matchup is Derek Lowe, who also shouldn't be available was was when I checked my shallowest league. To be sure, I promptly added him. That's it for the kickoff of the weekend, as everyone else is a huge risk.

Saturday: I like Kevin Slowey, but as a righty his matchup vs. Cleveland is iffy. In very deep leagues, Eric Hurley should complement Slowey as pitchers with great names. Also a righty, Hurley should succeed against Baltimore, though I don't particularly trust young pitchers on the road. Its really not a great weekend for spot starting.

Sunday: Aaron Cook is here weekly, because he's only worth having if he's going to win, which he does way more frequently than his skill set would predict. I don't think he'll beat Florida at home, because they crush the ball against righties and the box score could look more like a gas bill. Jesse Litsch against the Angels is nice, especially since they can't seem to hit the ball while playing at home. Eric Stults, the new edition of the Dodgers rotation, will face San Francisco, where he's worth a look. Jeff Suppan of the BrewCrew faces the Pirates, so he should get the win.