Strategic Spot Starting: Weekend Edition

Well, the start I'll be most interested in is Rich Harden's, though I agree with some of the responses on MLBTradeRumors.com that Harden should be rested through the break and Marshall should be given that additional start. But since Harden shouldn't be available on your waiver wire (and if so you need a far more competitive league), who might fill your start spotter cravings?

Friday: Manny Parra, he of the 2.70 home ERA, faces Cincinnati for the first time in his career. I think the Reds will struggle with the young starter, so there is a lot of upside in the start. Jon Garland is coming off a complete-game, one run win over Toronto, and faces Oakland (his second most recent start was against them, where he struck out six while giving up two earned). On the other end of this match is Sean Gallagher in his first start wearing green. I think he will be great in Oakland, if not this year then next, and he should be added while he tests out the Even-More-Pitcher-Friendly Confines. I think he'll get the win and those strikeouts are encouraging. Kyle Lohse has a career ERA of 2.51 against Pittsburgh, though their lineup has been decent as of late so I don't consider them the automatic W. Somewhat surprisingly, Aaron Cook has faced the Mets already twice this year, and faired pretty well though his stuff isn't the kind that should breeze through that lineup nine times.

Saturday: Gil Meche faces his former team when he goes up against Seattle, who struggles with righties this year. Tim Wakefield against Baltimore is a solid start, as he's been solid at Fenway thus far. Hiroki Kuroda, while on a roll, doesn't have a great matchup against the fish, who hit well on the road and against righties. Jesse Litsch (Yankees) and Dana Eveland (Angels) are always good risks, but they face great offenses.

Sunday: Don't start Andrew Miller or Nick Blackburn; just start your All Star Break a little early, and hopefully with a good chance of winning your league.