Strategic Spot Starters: Playoff Edition

Who here is in their league's playoffs? In standard rotisserie leagues, thing are probably decided (and I prefer it that way). Those of you in head-to-head leagues are probably looking for any way possible to get that competitive edge. Here are a few ideas, through Thursday...

Tuesday: Jon Lester against the O's should get the nod. Other than that, you are looking at some high-risk, high-reward options in Gio Gonzalez (@KC) and Clayton Kershaw (SD). The latter is worth grabbing right off the bat.

Wendesday: Lots of options for the middle of the week, so if you powered through on the strength of your offense (and a weak pitching staff) you might win a game you shouldn't. Joe Blanton (@WAS), Hiroki Kuroda (SD), and Nick Blackburn (@TOR) are some low risk options that should get the win. In a lesser tier, Dave Bush (NYM), Dana Eveland (@KC), and Brian Bannister (OAK) are decent options, with Bannister and Bush pitching much better in their respective stadiums. I'll try to track the bunch of them, but an ERA in the first three should be around 3.00, and the second tier around 4.00.

Thursday: Kevin Slowey and Jesse Litsch face eachother, and I'm not above starting both to have a good chance at getting the win. Jeff Suppan is probably the better bet, pitching with Safeco behind him, but of course his upside is limited when it comes to K's.