Looking to cycle spot-starters each day? Check out the Stream Team, where we tab pitchers that are likely to help you in your quest for fantasy gold.Update: FanHouse's Ed Price has word that Lee will in fact be starting tomorrow for the Phillies. Richmond will be our spot-start play.
I usually exercise caution when dealing with a prospect's first big-league start, but I threw caution to the wind to take Chris Tillman last night, who predictably didn't make it out of the fifth inning. He should be much better next time around. Lesson learned: don't start a guy in his first game. Today we have Jorge de la Rosa pitching the back end of a doubleheader; I'm just glad he didn't have to face Johan Santana.
Four Stream Teamers have been selected since we last chose Joe Blanton, which means it's Blanton time again. His ownership numbers are getting to the point where he won't be available to spot-start anymore, but until that happens, I'll just keep riding the Blanton train. He's got a 1.21 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in July, which has translated to a 3-0 record. He also travels to a great pitcher's park to play San Francisco.
One thing we must keep an eye on through the day is whether the Phillies decide on when to start Cliff Lee. With Blanton pitching lights out lately, I would imagine the club would like to save Lee for Saturday and keep Blanton in rhythm. However, depending on how the Phillies want to set up their rotation for the rest of the season, they might opt to pitch Lee Friday and save Blanton for Saturday.
If Blanton gets pushed back, I'd look at Scott Richmond for a spot start against the A's. It'll be his first game back from the disabled list, but he has the benefit of facing a weak offense in a pitcher's park. That should be good enough for five or six innings of quality ball and the win.
