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Is there anyone left who isn’t firmly aboard the Mat Latos bandwagon? If there are, did he steal a girlfriend away from you? Do you just not like the Padres? This kid is the real deal. There is no doubt about that. I did think that he still could be inconsistent in 2010 due to the fact that he had just 10 Major League starts and is just 22 years old. However, he is completely maturing into a fantastic starting pitcher and should be one of the better arms in the National League in the coming years as I think he could continue to improve. Keeper/Dynasty league players, this is a kid you want on your team. 

Kris Medlen continues to be a nice surprise this year without being a statistical hero.  He wasn’t around for the decision but he allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings, walked two, and struck out two. He was having a good season out of the bullpen, and now this is two starts that he has been good, not great, but hasn’t been able to secure a win.  If you are looking for a short-term fix (not to mention a starting pitcher who should have relief eligibility, a nice bonus) Medlen could be a decent pickup for you, especially in larger leagues. Like I said earlier, he isn’t going to carry you to victory but he is absolutely going to keep you in the game. 

Jacoby Ellsbury had a two RBI singles for his first hit since coming back from the DL on Saturday and you all should have him back in your lineups. Ellsbury isn’t going to drive in a ton of runs, but he should steal a ton of bases and really help you out in the runs category as well. I do think that Jacoby was a little overvalued this season in fantasy drafts, but there is no doubting his talent. He is a must-start on a daily basis. 

Matt Capps finally blew his first save of the season after converting his first 16 chances. I am not saying the wheels are going to fall off because he blew one, but I still just think that he isn’t this good and I think that his value will never be higher, and you should at least consider shopping him around to see if you might be able to capitalize on this incredible start and perhaps trade for a better closer whose numbers aren’t as good right now and perhaps get another upgrade somewhere else. Just a thought.   

Cody Ross has been an overlooked source of power over the past couple of seasons, but for some reason this year the ball isn’t jumping off his bat. However, perhaps today is the start of something big. Ross has averaged 23 home runs over the past two seasons, but had just two dingers coming into Sunday. Ross had three hits on the day and two of them left the yard. You might want to keep an eye on Ross over the next couple of days because he is the kind of guy who goes on some pretty hot streaks. He is a guy that is good to have on your bench and plug into your lineups when he goes on one of those streaks. 

Can someone PLEASE wake up Carlos Silva? He must be living in a dream world as he is somehow 6-0 after another win on Sunday. I just can’t figure it out, there is no way it can last. I have all ready talked about Silva and his 4-15 season in 2008, so I am not going to sit here and pound on the guy more. I am just saying if you own him, don’t be surprised when he turns back into a pumpkin. 

Ben Zobrist is on a SERIOUS roll and is finally making his owners happy who probably spent a fairly high draft pick on him. After an 0-3 on May 15, Zobrist was batting just .269 on the season with no home runs. Just eight days later he is now up to .309 and hit his second home run of the season on Sunday. He has also driven in seven runs over this eight-day stretch. His position eligibility always makes him a little more popular in fantasy baseball, and now that he has started hitting again, hopefully it will continue. 

Jason Giambi had a great day on Sunday with three hits and four RBI, including his second home run of the season. Now don’t get excited about this because Giambi is only in the starting lineup because of the Rockies playing in an American League park during interleague play. Obviously without an injury to Todd Helton, Giambi will just be a guy riding the pine. Interleague is over after this weekend so there is no reason to consider Giambi at this time. 

 

On a personal note I would like to thank Zack Greinke (sarcastically, of course) for costing me a few dollars this week. I am in a league that is H2H points and there is a weekly prize for the team that scores the most points. I am going to lose it by about nine points and it is largely in part to Greinke getting TATTOOED on Sunday against the Rockies. Thanks Zack, you owe me $10!

Mike Napoli is another guy who is on a serious roll. Napoli had three hits on Sunday including his sixth home run of the season. He was a total disaster at the start of the year, sitting the bench most of the time in favor of Jeff Mathis. But with his injury Napoli has been back behind the plate most every day. But he now has four home runs and nine RBI in the last six games, and while this stretch can’t continue forever, Napoli definitely has 20 homer power if he can keep the job for the rest of the season. If you need catching help there is no way that Napoli should still be available. 

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