Fantasy Sports

BY ADAM RONIS

There are several pitchers this season that have put up poor numbers so far that I have advised you to stick with. One is A.J. Burnett. He went seven innings against the Rays and allowed six hits, one run -- no earned -- walked four and struck out 10. He is 12-9 with a 4.50 ERA, but a few awful starts have made his numbers worse. He has walked too many hitters, but he has great stuff and has had some bad luck this season with a high BABIP. He has a 149/64 K/BB ratio. He has allowed one earned run or less in four straight starts.

Those in NL-only leagues may want to give Steve Pearce a look. The outfielder will get a chance to play with the trade of Xavier Nady. He went 0-for-2 with a walk and two sac flys.

See what happens when you don't walk many batters? Ian Snell walked just one, a rarity for him this year, and picked up a win. He went seven innings and allowed eight hits, four runs and struck out nine. He's had a high BABIP this season and problems with his control, but he is capable of helping you down the stretch. Wait until you see his next start and think about him.

So much for this whole Manny saga hurting his play. He hit his 20th homer and has 68 RBIs. I'll take him on my team. We all love drama anyway.

K-Rod allowed a run and still got his 44th save. Gotta love the save rule. Oh yeah, it's a contract year for him.

Dice-K is someone you might want to sell high on. He allowed six runs in five innings to fall to 11-2. He has a very low BABIP and a poor 86/62 K/BB ratio.

I have mentioned him several times recently and I'll say it again: buy on Adam Jones. He's probably available in many leagues and has hit real well since the start of June. He went 3-for-6 with a grand slam and finished with five RBIs. His K/BB ratio still stinks, but he could be productive.

Another player I have said to buy low on numerous times is Adrian Beltre. He went 2-for-4 with two homers and four RBIs. He has 18 homers and 51 RBIs.

Fernando Tatis remained red hot going 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs. If you need help, use him while he's hot.

John Maine was pitching really well, but was removed from the game in the fifth with right shoulder tightness. Maine said he has been dealing with the pain since his last outing. Sounds like he will miss some time.

Alfonso Soriano has returned and looks fine. He hit his 17th homer and stole his 8th base.

Carlos Marmol picked up save No. 5.

In shocking news, C.C. Sabathia didn't pitch his fourth straight complete game. He went 6 2/3 innings and allowed three earned runs against the Cubs.

Roy Oswalt returned from the DL and won to improve to 8-8. He went five innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, one walk and struck out five.

Micah Owings returned to the starting rotation and the best thing I could say is he went 1-for-1. He allowed eight runs in three innings and should be dropped.

Denard Span has hit very well since being recalled for the Twins and with Carlos Gomez struggling, Span is hitting leadoff. He hit his first homer and should be owned in deep mixed leagues.

Kevin Slowey has exhibited great control. The one thing that hurts him is the penchant for allowing a lot of homers, but he didn't allow any against the White Sox and threw a six-hit shutout. He walked one and struck out five. He is 7-7 with a 4.00 ERA and should be owned in most leagues.

Zack Greinke has struggled lately, but I still have faith in him. He went 7 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits, two runs, one walk and struck out 11.

I know it's hard to believe. Take a minute to soak it in. Nomar Garciaparra has a sprained MCL and will miss a few days.

Michael Young will miss a week with a fracture in his ring finger, while pitcher Chris Young will return from the DL and start Tuesday night. If he's available, grab him now!!!