Strategic Spot Starters: Weekend Edition

So, we won some and we lost some in the last segment, which you'll have. I'm interested to see how Sonnanstine does tonight, since a couple of you guys thought he might be a decent option. I'll guess his line at 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H/3 BB/3 K. In the meantime, I'll look ahead and see what's coming up. Also, tomorrow I plan on writing a short post on Spot Start Strategy since it's in demand.

Friday: Ricky Nolasco struck out 8 Mets in 6 innings two starts ago, and faces them at Shea tomorrow. In his most recent outing, he fanned lucky thirteen, so this is an intriguing NL East showdown. Jeremy Guthrie is coming off a string of solid starts, and his 3.69 home ERA could suppress the frightening Texas offense. As a rule, I never start anyone at the Ballpark at Arlington, but back at Camden Yards Guthrie has some upside. Kevin Slowey has one complete game shutout sandwiched between four terrible outings, and while KC is a nice spot start team, I don't trust the youngster on the road.

Saturday: Hiroki Kuroda at San Francisco would be a lot more appealing if he hadn't been rocked by them the last time the two faced, though I don't think that offense can get the better of him twice in a row. Scott Olsen against the Mets is worth considering if Nolasco proves that the Fish know how to pitch in New York; otherwise I'd shy away.

Sunday: Manny Parra has a couple reasons to pitch well at home against Washington, but the most compelling is probably avoiding the wrathful appetite of Prince Fielder. You'd think he'd be owned, but he's still available in two of my leagues...