Edinson Volquez (SP-PIT). Ray Searage's magic wand got its sternest test to date, when Volquez faced off against the potent Cardinals lineup on Sunday afternoon and Volquez failed the test. The Cardinals roughed him up for 6 runs in only 5.2 innings. Volquez gave up 7 hits, including 2 HRs off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, while walking one and registering only 2 strikeouts. Volquez came in to the game with a 1.91 ERA and left with a 3.21 ERA. Although much has been made of Searage's influence as the reason for Volquez's early season success, good fortune probably had more to do with it than anything. Even after being roughed up by the Cardinals, Volquez is still benefiting from a .236 BABIP and he is striking out only 4.81 batters per nine. Volquez is likely to suffer further regression, as there is still a significant gap between his 3.21 ERA and his 3.80 FIP. Fantasy owners should stay away from Volquez in then all but the deepest of NL-only leagues.
Ian Kennedy (SP-SD). Kennedy started against the Nationals on Sunday and picked up his first win of the season, throwing 7 innings of one run ball, while racking up 9 strikeouts against only three hits and no walks. Kennedy was a popular sleeper pick prior to the start of the season and hasn't really done anything to dispel that notion so far. Kennedy has posted solid 8.40 K/9 and 2.40 BB/9 rates thus far and his ERA is probably a little higher than deserved, as evidenced by his 3.30 xERA. Kennedy has also been able to induce more ground balls so far this season (47.0% GB rate in 2014, versus 38.0% career). If Kennedy can sustain this improvement in his GB rate, he could post solid numbers this year. It is clear at this point that Kennedy's 2011 season was an outlier and his true talent level is probably closer to the 4.02 ERA he posted in 2012. However, given that Kennedy will be pitching half his games in the friendly confines of Petco, it is not unreasonable to expect that he could post an ERA in the mid-3s. Wins could be difficult to come by, because the Padres have had extreme difficulty generating runs this year, but the expected improvement in ERA, plus the strong K rate make Kennedy worthy of consideration even in mixed leagues for those in need of pitching help.
Jason Hammel (SP-CHN). Hammel continued his hot start to the season, running his record to 4-1 by shutting out the Brewers for 7 innings on Sunday afternoon. Hammel gave up only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. Hammel figured to benefit from the move to the NL and the early returns definitely support that notion. However, while Hammel owners should enjoy the early results, his current 2.08 ERA is not going to last. Hammel has benefited from extreme good fortune, with his numbers being propped up by a .138 BABIP and a 94.1% strand rate, neither of which can possibly be sustained. While some regression is inevitable, Hammel should still post solid value in NL-only leagues, as his final ERA is likely to wind up somewhere around his 3.54 xFIP.
A.J Burnett (SP-PHI). Burnett picked up his first win of the year by throwing 8 shutout innings against Arizona on Sunday, giving up only 5 hits while striking out 8. The outing lowered Burnett's ERA to 2.15. Burnett has suffered from a lack of run support in the early going this year, but otherwise Burnett's numbers have been solid. One concern is that his 2014 K rate of 6.69/9 is down significantly from his 2013 rate of 9.85, but this is likely just small sample size at work. I like Burnett's chances of at least approaching his 2013 ERA of 3.30, even with the move to a hitter-friendly ballpark, because last year's ERA was overstated by about half a run, according to Burnett's FIP. Burnett should continue to be a solid mid-rotation starter in fantasy leagues.
Marcell Ozuna (OF-MIA). Ozuna went 1 for 4 in the Marlins' loss to the Mets on Sunday, which gives him a season slash line of .304/.363/.457. Ozuna has been a popular pickup lately (his ownership % has soared to 65% in ESPN leagues), but I would be cautious about investing too heavily in him. His BA is not sustainable, as it is being supported by a .352 BABIP, which is completely out of line with Ozuna's 15.9% LD rate. It is also questionable how much contribution Ozuna will offer in the power department (3 HR so far). While he did hit 24 HR two years ago in High A ball, his HR/FB rate this year of 14.3% is triple his rate last year (4.2%). While last year's rate was likely artificially low, there is no guarantee Ozuna can continue to maintain this year's rate. While Ozuna is a must-own in NL only leagues, he is probably still a wait-and-see player in mixed leagues.
Hector Rondon (RP-CHN). Rondon closed out the Cubs' win over the Brewers with three strikeouts and no hits in his inning pitch. Although this was not a save situation (the Cubs were up by 4 runs), the Cubs' reliever usage provides a strong indication that Rondon may be the front-runner for saves in the Chicago bullpen. Pedro Strop pitched the 8th and had a huge meltdown to blow a save in his previous outing. Rondon's numbers (10.22 K/9, 2.92 BB/9 rate, 58.1% GB rate) are certainly closer worthy and, although his current 0.73 ERA is not sustainable (being supported by a .258 BABIP and 83.3% strand rate) he is certainly worth a speculative add by those in need of help in the save category.
Smithd441
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share. Many thanks! ddcegcagdedcekeg
cia_lis_professional
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
via_gra_cost
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
cia_lis_cost
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
purchase_cia_lis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
purchase_via_gra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
What's Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.
viagra_pills
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or enewsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
buy_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Because here is a list of multiplayer games is
tadalafil
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Because here is a list of multiplayer games is
cheap_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
If some one wants expert view concerning running a blog afterward i advise himher to pay a quick visit this
viagra_sale
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Where To Purchase Generic Ciprofloxacin 0.3 5ml in Albuquerque
cheap_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Where To Purchase Generic Ciprofloxacin 0.3 5ml in Albuquerque
generic_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Where To Purchase Generic Ciprofloxacin 0.3 5ml in Albuquerque
generic_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Excellent work!
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Excellent work!
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, thankyou . While thou livest keep a good tongue in thy head. by William Shakespeare.
cialis_online
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, thankyou . While thou livest keep a good tongue in thy head. by William Shakespeare.
fast
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
An fascinating dialogue is value comment. I believe that it is best to write more on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally individuals are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
fast
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
An fascinating dialogue is value comment. I believe that it is best to write more on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally individuals are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
cialis_pills
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Very good blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
viagra_pills
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Very good blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.
dysfunction
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
what are some superior and in demand websites for blogs? ?? .
soft
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I really enjoy the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I really enjoy the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
soft
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I really enjoy the blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
generic
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Good writeup, I am normal visitor of ones blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It's going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
generic
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Good writeup, I am normal visitor of ones blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It's going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
free
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I got this website from my friend who told me concerning this web site and at the moment this time I am visiting this web page and reading very informative content here.
Smithk340
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Vigamox Without A Script in Columbus decedaeeadekadeg
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Just wanna input on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the subject material is real excellent. Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. by Andre Gide.
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Just wanna input on few general things, The website pattern is perfect, the subject material is real excellent. Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. by Andre Gide.
Smithg331
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
This is why Facebook games are becoming more popular. The ease of use and dissemination of content, tagging ecekbddkcebdebgb
viagra_price
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Low cost Gucci Handbags Is generally blogengine much much better than wp for reasons unknown? Should be which is turning out to be popluar today.
buy_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Hi there, I found your site by way of Google while searching for a comparable matter, your web site got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Hi there, I found your site by way of Google while searching for a comparable matter, your web site got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
buy_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Merely a smiling visitor here to share the adore , btw outstanding style. Audacity, more audacity and always audacity. by Georges Jacques Danton.
cheap_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Merely a smiling visitor here to share the adore , btw outstanding style. Audacity, more audacity and always audacity. by Georges Jacques Danton.
Smitha9
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Thanks for another magnificent post. Where else may just anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I'm at the look for such information. cagkeaceegegeekd
buy_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I am impressed with this website, rattling I am a big fan.
for
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
I am impressed with this website, rattling I am a big fan.
order_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to give it a appear. Im definitely loving the details. Im bookmarking and will likely be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding blog and great style and style.
order_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to give it a appear. Im definitely loving the details. Im bookmarking and will likely be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding blog and great style and style.
cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your weblog with my twitter group? Theres lots of people that I think would truly enjoy your content material. Please let me know. Thanks
for
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your weblog with my twitter group? Theres lots of people that I think would truly enjoy your content material. Please let me know. Thanks
purchase_cialis
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Several of these games are worth some time and are actually
cheap_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Several of these games are worth some time and are actually
pharmacy
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Several of these games are worth some time and are actually
Smithf8
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Really enjoyed reading ur blog. bggbfbdddfkgffcc
cheap_viagra
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
pharmacy
Apr 27, 14 at 08:28 PM
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!