Today's Fantasy Rx

Arizona: Oscar Villarreal, RH Reliever
4-3 on a 31:25 K:BB in 38 IP over 32 G(1GS)
with 30 H, 3 HR, and a 1.26 G-F; 3.08 ERA.

The simultaneous injuries to Mantei and Koplove leave Arizona with Villarreal, Scott Service, Jose Valverde, and even Miguel Batista as candidates for saves among Diamondback right-handers. Most reports suggest Villarreal, by virtue of pitching more effectively than the other relievers, is Arizona's first choice. His G-F, hit, homer, and even strikeout rates suggest he's ready for a move to the late innings. The biggest problem is a terrible 5.9 BB/9, but Villarreal's remained a quality reliever this year even while demonstrating his inconsistent control. Look to acquire him right now since you can always swap him to a save-needy team if you don't require his services.

April Overachiever: Matt Mantei, RH Closer
Old stats: 3-0 and 4 Saves on a 13:3 K:BB in 12.1 IP over 11 G
with 11 H, 0 HR, and a 14-12 G-F; 2.92 ERA.
Recommendation: acquire.
Stats since recommendation: 1-3 and 3 Saves on a 16:5 K:BB in 10.1 IP over 9 G
with 10 H, 3 HR, and a 6.10 ERA before hitting the DL on June 2nd.

Internet Challenge

We're not making moves involving Randy, Pedro, or Schilling since we'd want to deploy them when they return and we're running quite low on buys. Fortunately Prior's unexpected double gives us six starts this weekend, and at least everyone's displayed good skills lately, though we're slightly worried about both Halladay and the Cubs' starts.

SP(6)
Matt Morris: Sun:BAL(Jas.Johnson)
Kevin Millwood: Sun:OAK(M.Mulder)
Kerry Wood(goes for win 50): Sat:NYY(R.Clemens(goes for win 300)
Roy Halladay: Fri:@CIN(J.Riedling)
Jason Schmidt: Sat:DET(M.Maroth)
Mark Prior: Sun:NYY(A.Pettitte)

No starts: Randy, Pedro, Schilling, Oswalt, Mussina, K.Brown, and Ainsworth.

With our six starters set for us, Vlad sits after we missed Manny's hottest streak of the year, and we don't particularly like Durazo in Philadelphia nor Matsui against the Cubs. Other than flipping Manny for Vlad, our sole offensive change is adding Aaron Boone for Aramis Ramirez since Boone plays at home against Toronto while Ramirez goes into Atlanta this weekend.

The Umpire Hunter(10th lg; 273rd overall)
Week 10b: June 6-June 8

C	Jorge Posada		1120
C	Toby Hall		460
1B	Todd Helton		1850
1B	Aubrey Huff		610
2B	Alfonso Soriano		1460
2B	Luis Castillo		1210
3B	Aaron Boone		1010
3B	Hank Blalock		500
SS	Alex Rodriguez		2010
SS	Nomar Garciaparra	1330
OF	Lance Berkman		1640
OF	Manny Ramirez		1610
OF	Preston Wilson		1220
OF	Carl Everett		850
OF	Austin Kearns		650
OF	Dave Roberts		620
SS	Orlando Cabrera		1030
SS	Jose Hernandez		940

SP	Matt Morris		1300
SP	Kevin Millwood		1010
SP	Kerry Wood		990
SP	Roy Halladay		890
SP	Jason Schmidt		790
SP	Mark Prior		750
RP	Eric Gagne		1430
RP	Scott Williamson	960
RP	Mike MacDougal		750
RP	Tim Worrell		740

Total Salary for Week 10b: 	29730

Today's Fantasy Rx: Minnesota finally promoted Michael Nakamura on Wednesday even though he belonged in the majors no later than the end of Spring Training this year. He posted a 4-4 record and 2 Saves on an outstanding 55:8 K:BB in 40.1 IP over 21 G with 32 H, 1 HR, and a 2.01 ERA at AAA Rochester(IL) over the past two months. Although the Twins may leave him in middle relief, both Guardado and Hawkins likely will leave as free agents, so unless the Twins unexpectedly add someone new, Nakamura only will need to beat out J.C. Romero and Juan Rincon to close. As he currently owns far superior skills to the Twins' current youngsters, considering a low FAAB bid on Nakamura since he should help both now and in the future.