Fantasy Week in Review (4/4-4/11):
By: Raymond Ayala

The J-Hey Kid: The Future of Fantasy Baseball

If you were lucky enough to take a gamble on an outfielder from Atlanta who is probably younger than you in the later rounds this year, then you must have had a solid first week one in your fantasy league.
Move over Justin Upton, you are no longer the only young OF fantasy owners are drooling over. Some people compare him to Darryl Strawberry, while I see more of a Ken Griffey Jr. in this kid. Folks I want you to meet Jason Heyward the future of fantasy baseball and the potential successor to Albert Pujols as your No. 1 overall pick for seasons to come.
Heyward was selected 14th overall in the 2007 MLB Baseball Amateur Draft. He was drafted by his hometown Atlanta Braves and has quickly become one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. The Braves decided they could no longer wait on this phenom, who not only has plus power, but has probably some of the best bat speed in the majors right now. The Braves decided to give him the starting RF job out of Spring Training this year, and the kid cannot even buy a beer yet (20 years old).
After watching him play in his first week, I have to say he seems pretty comfortable. Most 20 year old kids would struggle in their first week of the bigs, but Heyward not only didn’t struggle, he probably had one of the best weeks of any ML-player (.292, 3 HR’s, 8 RBI). Why do I think he will continue to dominate like this? Because this kid is for real, and his swing is like that of a 3-4 year veteran. He is the most major league ready player to hit the Majors since Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez.

Brian Matusz a.k.a The Second Coming of the Big Unit

I had the luck of watching Brian Matusz play at my school for three years. During those three seasons, I thought he was the best lefty I had ever seen in my life and I had seen both Johan Santana and Barry Zito in his prime. Matusz is a 23 year old crafty lefty, who has a 94 MPH fastball with very balanced breaking pitches.
Matusz lost his status of “sleeper” last season when he capped his short 2nd half stint with the Baltimore Orioles, by throwing 7 innings of shutout ball against the New York Yankees. Ever since that game, fantasy owners are no well aware of the fact that this kid is for real.
The only downfall for Matusz may be the fact that he has trouble finding the win column, since he does play for the Orioles. Even though he may not get you the wins like Lincecum, Halladay, Beckett, etc. get you, the strikeouts will be right there with those guys if not more. Look for Matusz to maintain an ERA below 3.50 this year and top the 180 strikeout mark as well. The Orioles pitching staff is quickly becoming something to be reckoned with.

Chris Young: A Possible Resurgence?

Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder Chris Young is one of those players you scratch your head and wonder if he will ever get his groove back. Largely ignored by most fantasy baseball players, reassured he will be one of the most popular waiver wire pickups after this first week.
Young started off this week strong, hitting .292 with 3 HR’s, 11 RBI. While those numbers look fantastic on paper, remember 9 of those RBI’s and 2 of those HR’s came against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Do not be fooled by this hot start, Young is another example of a player who got paid and is now taking it easy. After hitting 30 HR’s in 2007, Young was demoted to AAA last season after his terrible hitting display. While there is still a chance he continues this pace, I just don’t see it happening. My suggestion would be to pick up Delmon Young (MIN) or Rick Ankiel (KC) before possibly considering Chris Young.

Chapman and Strasburg dominate first Minor League Starts

While this may not apply to your current fantasy team, there are those who drafted these two pitchers in hopes of a call-up sooner than expected. While these two probably will be talked about the most of all the pitchers in the 2011 Fantasy Draft crop, right now they could be mid-season league changers if drafted properly.
My suggestion is draft neither if you are in a relatively shallow league (10 teams or less). If you are in a deep league (10 teams or more), then you may want to spend a late round pick on one of these two. While they probably will get limited ML starts this season, I suspect both will see ML time at some point this season. Both pitchers are similar in the fact that they will be good for monster strikeout numbers, but Strasburg seems to be the more likely of the two to see the majors first.
The only reason Stephen Strasburg is in the minor leagues right now is because of a technicality in his contract, which pays him less if he stays in the minors. The Washington Nationals aren’t going anywhere, anytime this season, so Strasburg is what Nat’s fans are cheering for this season. Equipped with a fastball that touches 99 MPH, Strasburg has begun to develop the breaking pitches that needed refining in his arsenal. Look for Strasburg as a pick up around May if he is still available in your league.
Aroldis Chapman is probably the only pitcher right now who has a faster fastball than Strasburg. Chapman’s fastball is the best in the league, and I’m confident in saying that. Chapman has the ability to hit triple-digits regularly, but his main issue will be developing his off speed stuff and fixing some control issues. Chapman is younger than Strasburg, and was signed knowing he was a project. I think Chapman is off limits this season in fantasy baseball, especially since I am very high on their current No. 5 starter Mike Leake. Keep an eye out on Chapman though, and if you hear any news about injuries to the starting pitchers in Cincinnati, pick up Chapman right away.

2010 Fantasy Top 20 Baseball Third Basemen
By Raymond Ayala

1. Evan Longoria (TB) – While some may chose A-Rod, I like Longoria better because he is a decade younger than Rodriguez, and the baseball schedule is 162 games long. Look for Longoria to top his Homerun numbers this season, while those RBI’s stay in the same range.

2. Alex Rodriguez (NYY) – At this point all A-Rod has left to do is break the Home Run Record. He has hit for 30 Homeruns and at least 100 RBI in his last 11 seasons, and to expect different would be ridiculous.

3. Mark Reynolds (ARZ) – Another of the many duplicate names on these lists. Reynolds is the only 3rd baseman that has a shot at a 30-30 season. The good thing about him is once you draft him, you can wait a little bit before picking your next 1st basemen or 3rd basemen. His versatility is only topped in fantasy this season by V-Mart.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) – Last seasons Zimmerman is the one we should all get used to seeing. While the Nationals are still a year away from contending, Zimmerman will continue to put up 30 homerun and 100 RBI seasons in a similar way to Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria.

5. Aramis Ramirez (CHC) – The Cubs hold an option on Ramirez, and right now are probably leaning on not using it. Ramirez could quickly change those thoughts though if he reverts back to his old power-hitting self. I think he does and has a monster year with 30 plus Homeruns and 100 RBI.

6. Pablo Sandoval (SFG) – Similar to Reynolds is also 1st base eligible. Sandoval’s numbers will only increase as he continues to grow up in the major leagues. While he led all 3rd basemen in batting average last year, I expect him to focus more on power in 2010.

7. David Wright (NYM) –His speed numbers increased, but that drop in homerun total is too much of a dip to ignore. While Wright may be good for a plus .300 average and 30 plus stolen bases, I think his power numbers will be affected by Citi Field so long as he plays there. Do not expect more than 20 Homeruns from Wright this season.

8. Ian Stewart (COL) – I think Stewart’s upside this season will surprise most. While he was considered a top prospect, he has been stuck behind people in Colorado for the past 2 seasons. Now 3rd base is his, and I think a 30-homerun season out of him is not out of the question, especially since he plays his home games at Coors Field.

9. Kevin Youkilis (BOS) – When David Ortiz struggled last year it was Youkilis who picked up the slack and finished with fantastic all-around stats. While there is a chance he regresses, odds are last years numbers are a good indicator for this season.

10. Chone Figgins (SEA) – Figgins used to be more valuable when he was a super-utility player, but now he is just strictly an average-hitting third basemen with plus speed. If you are looking to fill your SB and Runs category Figgins is one of the best in all of fantasy baseball.

11. Gordon Beckham (CHW) – Some questioned the White Sox for calling up this 2008 1st round draft pick so quickly. The White Sox were rewarded as Beckham earned the AL Rookie of the Year award. While he is still young, Beckham could easily tally 20 Homeruns, 80 RBI, and 20 SB’s in 2010.

12. Alex Gordon (KC) – While he may have struggled in recent seasons, I see an inspired Gordon coming into this season with a chip on his shoulder. I believe he can hit 30 Homeruns and drive-in 100 RBI’s this year, even if he is playing for the Royals.

13. Michael Young (TEX) – Young will never be that same player that had 100 RBI’s a couple of years ago, but he is one of the best 3rd basemen when it comes to average. A .320 average, 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI are the numbers Young is capable of putting up this season.

14. Jorge Cantu (FLA) – Cantu qualifies as a 1st baseman as well. Has surprised the league with back-to-back productive seasons. While Cantu may have been garbage to the Rays, he has certainly been a prize for the Marlins. The Marlins offense this season will hinge on whether Cantu can repeat his performance from last season.

15. Chipper Jones (ATL) – Jones has struggled recently, but some new weapons should help him RBI’s increase by double digits. While his 30 Homerun 100 RBI days may be in the past, Chipper is still a quality first baseman who will be good for at least 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI, unless he is injured.

16. Casey Blake (LAD) – During his last three seasons he has come very close to the 20-80 mark. This season will be a tough one for the Dodgers, but with Manny in that lineup, it would be very hard for him to not equal his numbers in 2009. Blake is a solid regular in the Dodgers lineup though and does have big games in him.

17. Scott Rolen (CIN) – Rolen hasn’t been healthy in four seasons, and this season he will have to prove he can maintain his health. If he is healthy, I don’t see any reason why Rolen can’t hit at least 25 Homeruns and collect 80 plus RBI’s.

18. Pedro Feliz (HOU) – I think Feliz has a chip on his shoulder after the Phillies just let him go so easy. His bat is capable of a 20 Homerun 80 RBI season anytime, and in Houston I think he will thrive. Consider Feliz one of my top sleepers for 2010.

19. Chris Davis (TEX) – He is just barely 3rd basemen eligible. Davis struck out too much for the Rangers liking and he was demoted to AAA for it. He has to be careful because a bad spring training might equal top prospect Justin Smoak stealing his roster spot.

20. Placido Polanco (PHI) – Signed a new contract with the Phillies and now has to live up to it. The Phillies are different since the last time he played for them and a 15 Homerun 75 RBI season is not out of the question.

Future Five to Watch
1. Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE)
2. Pedro Alvarez (PIT)
3. Josh Bell (BAL)
4. Mike Moustakas (KC)
5. Josh Vitters (CHC)

2010 Top 20 Fantasy Baseball Catchers
by Raymond Ayala

1. Joe Mauer (MIN) – If he is not listed as your top catcher, then you shouldn’t be playing fantasy baseball. Mauer has a better lineup around him this year, and is entering a new hitter friendly ballpark. He will break the 30 Homerun mark this year.

2. Brian McCann (ATL) – I think this could be the year McCann breaks the 100 RBI mark for the first time. I like the Braves as a sleeper team, and I think McCann carries them this season.

3. Matt Wieters (BAL) – His slow start, was due to typical growing pains rookie catchers have, now you can steal him in your fantasy league. In his second season Wieters is going to show the league why he was so highly touted in the minors. I think 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s are too be expected.

4. Victor Martinez (BOS) – Homerun numbers dropped, but is still the 2nd best catcher in fantasy. Let’s not forget what a contract-year does for a player. Another season like last, and Martinez is staring at 15-million a year at least.

5. Jorge Posada (NYY) – Ballpark definitely has given Posada’s career a much-needed recharge. Pretty easy to drive in all those RBI’s when you play for a team with an offense that is stacked from top to bottom.

6. Kurt Suzuki (OAK) – This may be a bit of reach, especially in the ballpark, but Suzuki showed a lot of promise last season. Suzuki is a dark horse candidate to go 20-20 this season, which would make him the only catcher to do so since Ivan Rodriguez (WAS).

7. Russell Martin (LAD) – Martin slumped last year, but he is still young and will bounce back this season. The Dodgers are not much weaker on offense, and they will need to put up runs if their pitching staff remains what it is.

8. Benjie Molina (SFG) – He wasn’t expected to return to San Francisco, but has and has to be considered one of the most consistent fantasy catchers out there. He has three straight seasons of at least 15 Homeruns and 80 RBI’s.

9. Miguel Olivio (COL) – Yah he will be battling with Ianetta, but if he can hit 23 Homeruns in Kansas City, he could easily hit 25 Homeruns at Coors Field. I would be shocked if Olivio isn’t able to pry the starting catcher job from Chris Ianetta (COL).

10. Miguel Montero (ARZ) – Montero broke out last season and showed an unexpected jump in power. Mark me down as one person that believes he can reach the 20 Homerun plateau this season.

11. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (TEX) – There are fourteen letters in his last name, and I expect him to hit a homerun for every letter in his last name this season. In that ballpark he may even hit 2 for every letter. Pretty much has a chance to be the best catcher in baseball not named Mauer.

12. Geovany Soto (CHC) – Completely fell off the map this year, and could lose the job this season if his struggles continue. I look for Soto to revert back to the All-Star Soto we saw during his rookie season.

13. A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) – Call him old reliable. All 5 years with the White Sox, A.J. has been good for at least 50 runs, 10 Homeruns, and 50 RBI each season. If you’re looking for a catcher with upside though, he’s not your guy.

14. Yadier Molina (STL) – Power seems like it will never come, but he is the 2nd fastest catcher behind Kurt Suzuki. Could see him nabbing 10-15 SB’s, as well as hitting for a .300 average. Would be a good choice in the later rounds.

15. Dioner Navarro (TB) – Navarro has a top prospect when he was with the Yankees, before he was traded to the Devil Rays. I expect better power numbers from him this season. At least double the 8 Homerun output he had last season.

16. Mike Napoli (ANA) – Showed potential power early last year, but then completely fell off. If Napoli isn’t careful, Angels top prospect Hank Conger is nearly ready to go after an amazing season in the minor leagues.

17. Chris Ianetta (COL) – Look I really like Olivio, even though the Rockies are going into Spring Training with Ianetta as a starter. If there is a tandem of catchers to have on your team, it is Ianetta and Olivio. One of them will prosper in that ballpark guaranteed!

18. Ryan Doumit (PIT) – Could increase value if the Pirates trade him to a contender at the deadline. As crazy as this sounds, a contender with a need for a catcher might give up a lot for him at the deadline. Doumit can flat out hit, period.

19. Carlos Santana (CLE) – Might not start the season with the big club, but he is going to get the call up very soon this year and when he does, your going to wish you had him. Why? Because this kid has a lot of raw power. He is Victor Martinez Version 2.0.

20. John Baker (FLA) – Will have higher power numbers with increased at bats. Baker has some upside.

Future Five to Watch:

1. Buster Posey (SFG)
2. Jesus Montero (NYY)
3. Hank Conger (ANA)
4. Derek Norris (WAS)
5. Jason Castro (HOU)

By: Raymond Ayala

The 2009 MLB season introduced us to a new crop of young, up and coming pitchers. No young pitcher surprised more this year then Kansas City Royals pitcher Zach Greinke. Grienke should be the runaway candidate for the AL Cy Young Award this year, and will continue to dominate like he did in 2009. While Grienke gets my number two spot, I am putting a very familiar name at my number one spot. Tim Lincecum was the 2008 NL Cy Young Award Winner, and has a shot to win the 2009 award as well. Even though he only had 15 wins this season, he still led the league with over 250+ Strikeouts. Lincecum has also decided for the time being to go year-to-year with an arbitrator, which equals big bucks for big performances. Lincecum goes into the 2010 season as the best pitcher in baseball, and he is only 26.

My Top 20 Fantasy Pitchers for 2010:

1) Tim Lincecum (SF) – The freak is the real deal.
2) Zach Greinke (KC) – A breakout season exposed him for the pitcher he truly is.
3) Felix Hernandez (SEA) – Only 23 years old, will win a Cy before his 25th birthday.
4) Roy Halladay (TOR) – May not be playing for Toronto, but that doesn’t change the fact that he has the some of the nastiest stuff in the game.
5) Justin Verlander (DET) – Probably will be the best strikeout pitcher in the American League for the next 5 seasons.
6) Cliff Lee (PHI) – His time with Philadelphia has shown what happens when you put an AL pitcher in the NL.
7) Dan Haren (AZ) – Arizona will improve next year, which means Haren’s ridiculous WHIP numbers won’t go to waste in 2010. Clayton Kershaw (LAD) – Kershaw was only 21, and maintained an ERA under 3, get him now before it is too late.
9) Chris Carpenter (STL) – 09 Comeback player of the year will vie once again for the 2010 Cy Young Award.
10) Adam Wainwright (STL) – Repeating 19 wins shouldn’t be a problem for him next season.
11) Matt Cain (SF) – Cain had a 2nd half slump, but still carries a high K/9 rate, as well as a low ERA.
12) Tommy Hanson (ATL) – He was called up late, but his stuff was fantastic.
13) C.C Sabathia (NYY) – Had an amazing 2nd half for the Yankees and a full season of this will guarantee him a Cy Young during his tenure in New York.
14) Javier Vazquez (ATL) – He has been a great asset in fantasy for K’s, now he adds a low ERA to the mix in 2010.
15) Josh Johnson (FLA) – This season was just the start. Next season he is in a contract year and will be fighting with Cain for best contract of 2011.
16) Jair Jurrgens (ATL) – Will be number 3 in a very powerful Braves rotation in 2010; a great gift for Bobby Cox in his final season.
17) Jon Lester (BOS) – Really has started to show signs of being a superstar pitcher, but may always be that really good sidekick.
18) John Lackey (Free Agent) – Pitchers in 1st years of their contracts usually struggle at 1st, but I think Lackey becomes a star wherever he lands.
19) Ubaldo Jimenez (COL) – Was key to the Rockies run down the stretch, and is still very young.
20) Yovani Gallardo (MIL) – The Brewers are expecting this kid to be an all-star next year, as should everyone in baseball.

Five Starting Pitcher Sleepers

1) Brian Matusz (BAL) – This kid is young, but in his short stint with Baltimore put up a win against the Yankees and had plus strikeout ability.
2) Jonathan Sanchez (SF) – The no-hitter last season was no joke. His numbers continued to improve after the All-Star break.
3) Neftali Feliz (TEX) – If you were smart you picked him up as a relief pitcher in 09. In 2010 he should become a K-machine similar to Seattle’s King Felix.
4) Aroldis Chapman (Free Agent) – Chapman defected from Cuba and will get the Dice K treatment, which means no minor leagues.
5) Stephen Strasburg (WAS) – The Nationals will peg him as their opening day starter and he will have 10 K’s in that game. Take it to the bank.

By Ted Cahill

The Twins have done it again.

The club I picked to run away with the AL Central has made it a race that appears ready to go down to the wire and is doing it on the backs of some unknown pitchers (and Joe Mauer of course).

26-year old rookie Brian Duensing has pitched outstanding ball since being handed Francisco Liriano’s rotation spot in August. In seven starts, Duensing is 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA. He’s struck out 28 batters in 43 innings and walked only 11.

And Duensing has done it mostly on short rest. He’s only averaging 4.3 days between starts, a tall order for a rookie in a playoff race.

He hasn’t faced an especially tough team, though he did shut down Texas before the Rangers shut themselves down.

If this left-hander is good enough for Minnesota, I’ll but in. Duensing is a player to watch both this week, when he makes starts against Detroit and Kansas City, but also in spring training next year.

Huff and stuff: It’s no secret Cleveland has struggled down the stretch. It’s been so bad that general manager Mark Shapiro will likely have no choice but to fire his friend Eric Wedge, considered untouchable earlier in the year.

But there have been some bright spots on the club over the past month. Left-hander David Huff overcame a midseason swoon to close out his rookie year in style and give the Indians a 10-game winner.

Huff will likely not make his final start as he sits at 167 2/3 innings between AAA and Cleveland this year. Wedge said in August the Indians hoped to hold him under 170 this year. If that was it for the rookie, he will finish at 11-8 with a 5.61 ERA. The 11 wins are the most for a Tribe rookie since CC Sabathia won 17 in 2001.

After throwing eight shutout innings Sunday, Huff is 4-1 with a 2.18 ERA in his final five starts of the year. That’s a far cry from the 24-year old’s previous five starts, when he went 2-3 with a 7.86 ERA.

Huff has also outperformed rotation mate Aaron Laffey, who has basically functioned as the team’s ace since Cliff Lee was dealt to Philadelphia. He has probably pitched his way into the 2010 rotation, though if new coaches are brought in this winter, open tryouts are likely to be held.

But it appears that Huff made the necessary adjustments to stay a major leaguer this year and show everyone why the Tribe picked him 39th overall in 2006.

Old reliable: In keeping with the theme of left-handers, Andy Pettitte won his 14th game of the year Sunday to clinch the AL East for New York.

It is the 12th time Pettitte has won 14 games in a year, tying him for fifth most all-time. 14 wins isn’t a nice, round number, but the names on the list are still impressive. The best southpaw ever, Warren Spahn, leads the way with 17 years of 14 wins, followed by Eddie Plank with 16. Steve Carlton and Tom Glavine have 13 and Pettitte joins Randy Johnson and Lefty Grove.

So Pettitte has been good this year; better than most expected. What does that mean for 2010? Well first Pettitte has to decide if he’s playing, which he obviously won’t know until after the Yankees’ season ends. Another ring might push him to retirement, but after such a good season, you can be sure Joe Girardi and Hank Steinbrenner won’t let him go without a fight.

Pettitte is worth watching over the winter, he might have another 14-win season left in him.

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Pitcher Pickup of the Week: Carl Pavano, Twins

With the AL Central title on the line in Comerica Park this week, the Twins will turn to Tiger-killer Carl Pavano. It’s a pretty good bet, given his track record against Detroit this year. Pavano is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in Comerica this year and 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA against the Tigers’ overall. He’s struck out 22 in five starts and walked just one batter.

Pavano also appears to be eating up the division race. In his last four starts, the right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.42 ERA and 18 strikeouts. You can bet this veteran will be ready for the pressure Wednesday as he tries to pitch his way into the playoffs for the first time since winning the 2003 World Series in Florida.

By Ted Cahill

Two weeks remain in the 2009 regular season. All but two of the playoff teams have been determined, leaving the vast majority of players doing nothing but looking towards next year.

Many fantasy leagues have likewise been decided, leaving many owners to turn their attention to football.

But for all of you still fighting it to the finish line, there are a few things to remember before Fan Appreciation Day.

Check lineups daily: These last two weeks can produce some very strange lineups (Of course those of you that watch the Indians know that can happen every day.). Starters may get extra rest for contenders, while others may go on short rest. There are plenty of players out there with options about to vest and management may shut them down. Also, if Seattle decides to run Felix Hernandez out with Ken Griffey in center field and Mike Sweeny at first base, you might want to think twice.

Plan ahead: If you’re in a keeper league and not in contention watch for the leaders’ scraps. No, Max Scherzer and Jake Peavy aren’t doing much right now, but you’ll want them next year. And if you are a contender in a non-keeper league be prepared for an added day of rest or two for Chris Carpenter and J.A. Happ.

Watch your innings/games count: If you play in a league that has a maximum number of innings or starts, make sure you don’t exceed it a week early. Be even more selective in who you start if need be, but you don’t want to lose out on a week’s worth of games.

Much of this advice seems like common sense, but it’s not the summer anymore. Most owners just don’t have as much time to futz with their lineups everyday now that school is back in session and football is dominating the weekend TV lineups.

Much of this advice seems like common sense, but it’s not the summer anymore. Most owners just don’t have as much time to futz with their lineups everyday now that school is back in session and football is dominating the weekend TV lineups.

No roll of the dice: It looks like that three-month break did a lot of good for Daisuke Matsuzaka.

In his second start back from the DL, Matsuzaka allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five. It wasn’t as good as his six-shutout innings against Los Angeles last week, but it’s still a positive sign.

While Matsuzaka wasn’t dominant, in comparison to his other starts this year, he was darn good. In fact, it probably qualifies as one of his best of the season.

Matsuzaka also exceeded 100 pitches for the first time since June. All of this points to him being a more reliable starter in the final two weeks of the year.

Bumbling Buehrle: A couple weeks ago it seemed like Mark Buehrle was about to come out of his slump. Now it looks like he might get shutdown early.

The left-hander had another sub-par outing last week in a blowout loss to Kansas City. Even during the four-game stretch when he allowed only seven earned runs in 26 innings, Buehrle has been getting hit. In that same stretch his WHIP was 1.35.

Buehrle has already thrown more than 200 innings. In the past it has seemed like Buehrle was the kind of horse that would just eat innings for the White Sox, but that seems to no longer be the case. Chicago is even considering making him the fourth starter next year, behind Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd and John Danks.

But right now, there are better options for your fantasy team than Buehrle.

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Pitcher Pickup of the Week: Tim Hudson, Braves

Hudson’s return this September has been better than I expected. He’s picked up only one win, but lost two quality starts. And he clearly pitched well enough to win one of those games. Overall, Hudson has a 3.70 ERA and 15 strikeouts to go with a 1.31 WHIP. He’s also only allowed one more home run than he’s hit, always a plus.

Hudson starts Wednesday against the Mets. It will be his first appearance in Citi Field, but traditionally the right-hander pitches well against the Metropolitans. He’s 9-5 with a 3.82 ERA lifetime against New York. Hudson last faced them last May, going eight innings and allowing two runs for the win.