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.On Saturday we received a wonderful spot start from Jon Garland (hat tip to commenter andtinez), who pitched eight innings without allowing an earned run or a walk, striking out three and picking up a win. Paul Maholm pitched for us today, and those he allowed too many baserunners (nine hits and three walks in six innings), he only allowed two earned runs and in the process gave us our 14th quality start in our last 15 spot starts.
Tomorrow's pick is easy, as Barry Zito still sits on too many free agent lists in leagues across the fantasy baseball universe. He's posted his highest strikeout total since coming to San Francisco while still limiting the walks, resulting in a very nice 1.32 WHIP this season. Usually known for his big statistical meltdowns, Zito hasn't given up more than three runs in a start since before the All-Star break.
He faces Arizona, a team averaging about 3.5 runs per game in September while posting a .706 OPS. He's struggled against the Diamondbacks in his career, but this 2009 Arizona team is 65-84 and sits at the bottom of the NL West (largely considered the weakest division in the league).
If Zito is unavailable for you, gamble on the Padres' Wade LeBlanc. He's allowed a total of three earned runs in his last three starts, spanning 19 innings. He next faces the Pirates, a great matchup for any pitcher.
Stream Team Data
September: 125 IP, 12 Ws, 3.31 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 95 Ks, 32 BBs.
Post-ASB: 392.1 IP, 30 Ws, 3.92 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 298 Ks, 116 BBs.
Since 7/1: 454.2 IP, 34 Ws, 4.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 334 Ks, 132 BBs.
