Starting Pitcher in focus: Mat Latos

One of the top prospects in the San Diego Padres organization hasn’t disappointed. In his last three starts, he is 2-1, with a 2.70 ERA. He is holding opponents to a .164 batting average and has a WHIP of 0.78. He is scheduled to pitch two games next week, making him an intriguing start for week 18.

Pitchers we love for week 17: Zach Greinke, Justin Verlander, Josh Johnson, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Jarrod Washburn, Randy Wells, Scott Baker, Zach Duke

Starter to Avoid for week 17: Andy Pettitte

In his last six starts, he is 1-3, with an ERA of 4.82. He is scheduled for two starts next week against the Toronto Blue Jays on the road and the Boston Red Sox at home. Pettitte at home is 4-4, with a 5.28 ERA, and opponents are hitting .297 against him, making him a risky start for week 18.

Other Starters to Avoid for week 17: Scott Kazmir, Aaron Harang, Hiroki Kuroda, Luke Hochevar, Jamie Moyer

Position Players: Infielders:

1B Nick Johnson finished July hitting .294, with one home run, and 11 RBI. His OPS in July .788, and he will be playing on the road, where he has four home runs, with 24 RBI, making him a viable option for week 18.

In his last 21 games, 2B Chris Getz is hitting .324, with one home run, seven RBI, and 12 runs scored. The Chicago White Sox will play all their games at home next week, where Getz is hitting .285, with 11 steals. He has emerged as a viable option, and is a recommended AL-Only start for week 18.

SS Julio Lugo has had an incredible start in St. Louis. In his last ten games he is hitting .333, with one home run, and four RBI. His OPS is .981, and he has scored six runs, making him a viable NL-Only option for week 18.

In his last 17 games 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff  has two home runs, with 11 RBI, and is hitting .293. He is a viable option for NL-Only leagues for week 18.

Infielder to Avoid: Clint Barmes

In 14 games since the All-Star break , he is hitting .133, with four home runs, and eight RBI. His OPS during that stretch is a mere .530. He has been struggling and should be on the bench for week 18.

Outfielders:

OF Rajai Davis is becoming a valuable player in AL-Only leagues. He ended July hitting .405, with one home run, 16 RBI, and six stolen bases. He scored ten runs, and had an OPS of .987. He is certainly available in most leagues and deserves to start for week 18.

Over his last 20 games, OF Jason Kubel is hitting .282, with five home runs, and 16 RBI. He is having a career year and is currently only owned in 61% of CBSSportsline leagues and 70% of ESPN leagues. He has emerged as a solid Fantasy Outfielder, and is a recommended start.

Over his last ten games OF Milton Bradley is on fire. Over that span, he has two home runs, with five RBI, and is hitting .343. He is finally starting to pick it up after a dreadful start and now is a viable option for mixed leagues for week 18.

Outfielder to Avoid in week 17:  Aaron Rowand

Over his last 19 games, Rowand is hitting .190, with one home run, and eight RBI. He excelled in June, yet he has been bitten by the injury bug and his production has slowed down tremendously and should be on the bench for week 18.

Catchers: Ryan Doumit

He finished July with three home runs, and 11 RBI. He is starting to get back on track and post similar numbers to last year, when he had a career year. Do not hesitate to plug him in the lineup for week 18.

Catcher to Avoid: Ivan Rodriguez

Relief Pitchers: Jason Frasor

With Scott Downs going on the disabled list, look for Frasor to get the save opportunities. He has not allowed a run in his last eight appearances, and is holding opponents to a .207 average on the year. He has four saves this year and should be a nice closer for any team down the stretch.

Relief Pitcher to Avoid: Scott Downs

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