Today's Fantasy Rx

Air. Air! Sears finally installed our AC yesterday, so hopefully we soon will resume our normal quantity of content. As we only have a limited space to fit the outdoor AC unit, we went with Kenmore since they could fit a higher efficiency AC in the same footprint as our old machine. If anyone else needs a new AC, we know a way you might be able to save a few bucks at Sears.

Note: For those of you unfamiliar with FAAB, each team normally begins with $100 to spend throughout the year on all free agent pickups. Most injury replacements or speculative picks go for a buck or two, hot starters go for $5-$10, top prospects go in the $10-$30 range, and we've seen $90+ bids on top players traded into the league.

Arizona: Brian Bruney, 21, RH Reliever
1-3 and 15 Saves on a 40:17 K:BB in 42.1 IP over 39 G
with 32 H, 1 HR, and a 1.91 ERA between AA El Paso(TL) and AAA Tuscon(PCL).

Aside from Edgar Gonzalez and the recently demoted John Patterson, nearly everyone else that should see the majors this year already plays for Arizona. Bruney signed out of an Oregon high school at 17 after Arizona selected him in the 12th round of the 2000 draft, and while control problems leave him with a career 5.2 BB/9, he also owned a 10.4 K/9 entering the season. He demolished the AFL last year, saving 7 games on a 17:5 K:BB in 18.2 IP with only 10 hits allowed. Although his AA stats this year aren't stunning, he owns a 12:4 K:BB in 11 IP with only 3 hits allowed since reaching Tucson, making him a prime candidate for a call-up. Expect Bruney to compete with Jose Valverde over the next few years for the Diamondbacks' closer position. Along with Oscar Villarreal and Mike Koplove, they should challenge Anaheim for the best right-handed relief corps in the game. Certainly try to FAAB Bruney for a couple bucks upon his promotion since he could begin to see save opportunities as soon as this August.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Jose Valverde; June: Chris Capuano.

Atlanta: Jason Marquis, 24, RH Starter
6-4 on a 62:29 K:BB in 80.2 IP over 13 GS
with 76 H, 4 HR, and a 3.12 ERA at AAA Richmond(IL).

Recent rumors indicate either Mike Hampton's health problems or Shane Reynolds' ineffectiveness will lead to the recall of Marquis, and while we'd like to see a little more dominance, nothing here indicates he isn't ready to return to Atlanta. His excellent homer rate offsets a mildly elevated walk rate, but this season starters only need to pitch decently to earn wins in front of Atlanta's prolific offense. If Marquis is available in your league, look to FAAB him for a few bucks in the near future, and you might wind up adding over a half-dozen wins to your team.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Travis Phelps; June: Andy Pratt.

Chicago Cubs: Matt Bruback, 24, RH Starter
5-8 on an 83:31 K:BB in 118 IP over 18 GS(19G)
with 115 H, 10 HR, and a 4.19 ERA at AAA Iowa(PCL).

The Cubs simply possess too much pitching depth for an intriguing pick-up like Kane Davis to earn an opportunity in the majors, so Bruback probably merits the most attention of pitchers who've remained at Iowa all year. Although he isn't a top prospect, Bruback posted a 9-7 record and 3.16 ERA on a 158:48 K:BB in 174 IP at AA West Tenn(SL) last season, and his performance this year is particularly impressive considering he normally struggles upon any promotion. I certainly don't envision him in Chicago any time soon, however he should top the list of secondary prospects other teams might want from the Cubs, and Bruback would merit a couple bucks of FAAB if allowed to start in the majors after switching organizations.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Rod Beck; June: Wilton Chavez.

Cincinnati: John Bale, 29, LH Reliever
2-2 and 3 Saves on a 51:13 K:BB in 50.1 IP over 28 G(2GS)
with 41 H, 1 HR, and a 3.04 ERA between AAA Norfolk(IL) and AAA Louisville(IL).

Several right-handed relievers also could receive promotions in coming weeks, but Bale seems to fit better in Cincinnati, particularly if they deal someone like Gabe White. Although Bale's demonstrated good dominance for years, now he looks healthy and possesses the command necessary to succeed in the majors. You should ignore him in most leagues since I typically don't want to own any pitcher with home games at the GAB, however Bale also appears capable of emerging as a very useful middle reliever in the near future.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Lance Davis; June: Jose Acevedo.

Colorado: Brad Clontz, 32, RH Reliever
2-2 and 21 Saves on a 44:15 K:BB in 37.1 IP over 39 G
with 35 H, 1 HR, and a 2.13 ERA at AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).

The removal of Jose Jimenez as Colorado's closer leaves Justin Speier and Brian Fuentes as the top candidates for saves right now, however the Rockies could promote the Sky Sox closer at any time. Clontz looks as dominant as ever despite missing last season, and while I'm concerned his homer rate could jump in Coors, he deserves another shot at the majors. He owns the skills necessary to succeed on most teams, and while pitching for the Rockies obviously would limit his roto value, Clontz merits a minimum FAAB bid from any team searching for saves.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Jason Young; June: Matt J. Miller.

Florida: Sean Bergman, 33, RH Starter
3-0 on a 72:35 K:BB in 111.1 IP over 19 GS
with 132 H, 12 HR, and a 5.24 ERA at AAA Albuquerque(PCL).

Dontrelle Willis' promotion earlier this year displayed the Marlins' willingness to promote any decent young pitcher, so Albuquerque remains filled with decaying Isotopes like Bochtler, Sanders, and Bergman, who all previously pitched together for the 1996 Padres. Of course we've seen the others in the majors more recently than Bergman, who last played in the big leagues in 2000 for Minnesota, where he posted a horrendous 9.66 ERA in 68 IP as a starter. While his 5.8 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 indicate some skill, even the Marlins' solid defense can't provide too much protection for someone as historically hittable as Bergman. Ignore him if he reaches Florida later this season.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Doug Bochtler; June: Scott Sanders.

Houston: Rob Stanifer, 31, RH Reliever
4-1 and 4 Saves on a 31:13 K:BB in 45.1 IP over 30 G
with 45 H, 3 HR, and a 2.18 ERA between AAA Iowa(PCL) and AAA New Orleans(PCL).

The Cubs dumped Stanifer after only three appearances this year for no discernible reason, and while Kirk Bullinger deserves a shot with the Astros, Stanifer's performance since joining New Orleans also should earn him strong consideration for the next available bullpen spot. Stanifer's stinginess in allowing homers and hits should give him some value in Houston, however a 6.2 K/9 doesn't impress me when compared to the dominance displayed by most Astros' relievers. We haven't seen many soft-tossers succeed for Houston since the club left the Astrodome, and I doubt Stanifer will avoid the fate of most of his predecessors. Ignore him if he reaches the majors.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Jonathan Johnson; June: Rodrigo Rosario.

Los Angeles: Victor Alvarez, 26, LH Swingman
3-3 on a 45:14 K:BB in 59.1 IP over 19 G(7GS)
with 45 H, 1 HR, and a 2.28 ERA at AAA Las Vegas(PCL).

If Kevin Brown is out for an extended time, Los Angeles likely will start both Andy Ashby and Wilson Alvarez while recalling Victor Alvarez to take Wilson's place in the bullpen. He isn't particularly dominant, however these skills indicate a high likelihood of success, particularly in a park like Dodger Stadium. Consequently, while you only should bid a minimum amount of FAAB on Alvarez, he should earn a couple bucks a month if left in a stable middle relief role.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Steve Colyer; June: Wilson Alvarez.

Milwaukee: Ben Ford, 27, RH Reliever
2-3 on a 43:7 K:BB in 41 IP over 14 G(3GS)
with 42 H, 3 HR, and a 2.85 ERA at AAA Indianapolis(IL).

The promotions of Leo Estrella and Dan Kolb demonstrate the Brewers' willingness to employ pitchers with a variety of pedigrees in their search to stabilize a very unimpressive pitching staff. With Mike DeJean likely headed out of town by the end of the month, another bullpen spot should open, and Ford's dominance gives him an edge on Jason Childers for a call-up. A former elite closing prospect for the Yankees, Ford now looks most comfortable as a middle reliever, yet a 9.4 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9 at AAA suggest he might figure in the mix for Brewers' saves. Since he could emerge as a closer candidate, consider spending a minimum amount of FAAB if you see Milwaukee promote Ford.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Danny L. Kolb; June: Pasqual Coco.

Montreal: Britt Reames, 29, RH Reliever
3-10 on a 57:33 K:BB in 77.2 IP over 13 GS(18G)
with 94 H, 4 HR, and a 5.56 ERA at AAA Edmonton(PCL).

While he impressed us as both a starter and a reliever in past seasons, Reames' recent splits indicate Monteal needs to leave him in middle relief if they want him to develop into an effective major league pitcher. Unfortunately, Scott Downs' 34:27 K:BB in 82.2 IP and Seung Song's 13:15 K:BB in 27.2 IP, combined with Frank Robinson's dislike of Sun-Woo Kim, leave Reames the most likely call-up if the Expos need a starter. Certainly ignore him if he joins Montreal's rotation, however a 6.6 K/9 while starting still suggests Reames should succeed as a reliever.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Julio Manon; June: Eric Knott.

New York Mets: Orber Moreno, 26, RH Reliever
4-0 and 7 Saves on a 44:9 K:BB in 34.1 IP over 25 G
with 19 H, 1 HR, and a .79 ERA between AA Binghamton(EL) and AAA Norfolk(IL).

As Armando Benitez appears headed out of town any day, the Mets likely will promote Moreno to compete for saves given the absence of young right-handers in the current New York bullpen. The Royals' former top relief prospect, Moreno only accumulated 43 innings over the past three seasons due to injury, however he always owned strong skills and could dominate in a pitcher-friendly park like Shea. Plan on spending a significant amount of FAAB upon Moreno's promotion, especially since he could emerge as a keeper in standard leagues perhaps even at a $20+ salary.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Aaron Heilman; June: Jason Roach.

Philadelphia: Josh Hancock, 25, RH Starter
5-8 on a 77:31 K:BB in 108.2 IP over 19 GS
with 107 H, 8 HR, and a 4.39 ERA at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).

The Phillies obtained Hancock for Jeremy Giambi in December, and while his AA numbers intrigued us, his performance in 27 AAA starts suggests he only will develop into respectable rotation filler. Of course, Philadelphia already owns five very talented young starters, and top prospects Gavin Floyd and Taylor Buchholz should reach the majors later next season. While Hancock owns nearly identical skills to Red Barons' teammate Ryan Madson, a 28-month age difference likely indicates Hancock's next promotion will occur with another organization. I expect his inclusion in any deadline deal the Phillies complete, and while a buck or two of FAAB could net you a decent starter, I'm concerned that Hancock will experience significant growing pains in the big leagues.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Ryan Madson; June: Geoff Geary.

Pittsburgh: Nelson Figueroa, 29, RH Starter
10-5 on a 94:32 K:BB in 121.2 IP over 19 GS
with 121 H, 7 HR, and a 3.03 ERA at AAA Nashville(PCL).

Nashville's staff looks just as deep and talented as the Pirates' current collection of pitchers. Mark Corey, Matt Gurrier, Mike Holtz, Jim Mann, Brian Meadows, Ariel Prieto, and Vogelsong all appear deserving of promotions. However the Pirates will need a starter once they trade Jeff Suppan, and although Vogelsong merits another look, I suspect we'll see Figueroa return to the majors given his superior record and ERA. Fortunately, all of Figueroa's skills suggest he should succeed in any role for the Pirates, and a minimal FAAB here should result in a few bucks of helpful roto value.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Ryan Vogelsong; June: Duaner Sanchez.

San Diego: Dennis Tankersley, 24, RH Starter
0-1 on a 0:4 K:BB in 0 IP over 1 GS
with 3 H, 0 HR, and a 1-0 G-F; INF ERA.
6-9 on a 93:44 K:BB in 99 IP over 18 GS
with 102 H, 12 HR, and a 4.82 ERA at AAA Portland(PCL).

The Padres should accept nearly any trade that involves dumping Kevin Jarvis and his expensive 2004 contract, so we expect to see a rotation opening in San Diego within weeks. We could see Carlton Loewer, Clay Condrey, or even a AA prospect in the majors, however Tankersley's overall stats suggest he deserves a chance to lower his ERA below infinity for the season. He registered the worst start in the majors this year in April, yet his 4.0 BB/9 indicates impressive improvement in his control from last season's 7.1 AAA walk rate and 5.3 BB/9 with the 2002 Padres. Now Tank certainly could tank again, but if you believe his minor league improvement portends better big league stats, his post-hype status should enable you snag him for only a couple bucks of FAAB.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Carlton Loewer; June: Courtney Duncan.

San Francisco: Brian Powell, 29, RH Swingman
7-7 on a 56:30 K:BB in 98 IP over 14 GS(22G)
with 113 H, 10 HR, and a 3.95 ERA at AAA Fresno(PCL).

The Giants expect the newly promoted Powell to start for Kirk Rueter, and given his impressive minor league statistical history, Powell's numbers at Fresno suggest the pitcher-friendly PacBell could enable him to post PDV. He should receive solid support from San Francisco's offense and defense, and both a 2.8 BB/9 and .9 HR/9 are impressive marks for a PCL pitcher. I'm not overly convinced he'll contribute to any fantasy teams, however if someone with Kirk Rueter's skills can succeed for the Giants, I'll give Powell the benefit of the doubt and suggest that teams in need of starting pitching should venture a buck of FAAB on him.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Matt Blank; June: Jeff Urban.

St. Louis: Matt Duff, 28, RH Reliever
3-2 on a 23:12 K:BB in 24.2 IP over 21 G
with 22 H, 3 HR, and a 2.92 ERA at AAA Memphis(PCL).

Both Jason Ryan and Steve Stemle look ready to start in the majors if needed, however St. Louis most likely either will promote Jason Simontacchi from the bullpen or deal for a starter if they decide to make a rotation change. Although Duff lost six weeks to injury this year in May and June, he again owns an excellent strikeout rate, and while a 4.4 BB/9 mildly concerns me, he still looks prepared to succeed in a major league bullpen. You likely should ignore him as long as Isringhausen avoids the DL, however Duff possesses the necessary skill to pitch effectively in a short relief role if given the opportunity.

Previously discussed 2003 NL pitching prospects: May: Dan Haren; June: Jason Pearson.

Internet Challenge

SP(6)
Pedro Martinez: Sat:@DET(M.Roney)
Curt Schilling: Sat:SF(Jer.Williams)
Roy Oswalt: Sat:PIT(K.Wells)
Mike Mussina: Sat:@TOR(R.Halladay)
Kevin Brown: Sun:@COL(D.Neagle)
Roy Halladay: Sat:NYY(M.Mussina)
Jason Schmidt: Fri:@ARI(M.Batista)
Mark Prior: Fri:ATL(M.Hampton)

No starts: Randy, Morris, Millwood, K.Wood, Loaiza and Ainsworth.

We have no idea if Brown will make his start, and we're not confident Schilling will make it past the fifth against a very good offensive team, so we'll deploy Pedro, Oswalt, Schmidt, and Prior, along with Halladay and Mussina facing each other.

Also, we're pulling Gagne with Los Angeles in Coors since we need the cash to run three of our more expensive pitchers. Our roster has some flexibility, but not a significant amount, and this move minimizes our risk at the moment. Orlando Cabrera, Dave Roberts, and Vlad stay benched.

The Umpire Hunter(12th lg; 297th overall)
Week 15b: July 11-July 13

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	Aramis Ramirez		820
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	Hideki Matsui		750
OF	Austin Kearns		650
DH	Aaron Boone		1010
DH	Erubiel Durazo		520

SP	Pedro Martinez		1700
SP	Roy Oswalt		1280
SP	Mike Mussina		1210
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 15b: 	29390

Today's Fantasy Rx: Before finalizing our purchase, we wanted to look over the Kenmore literature so we could see the actual machine to be installed; the guy who gave us the Sears' quote didn't have any with him. When the brochures arrived in the mail a few days later, we noticed the following "feature" on the back:

"24-Hour Emergency Installations
No matter when your old unit goes out, we can have a new Sears central air conditioner or furnace installed. Round-the-clock service means you can trust Sears to be there when you need us."

We received the quote at the beginning of the month, we've been without working AC all summer, and we weren't scheduled for installation until this week. Obviously this new information caused us to wonder why this option wasn't available to us.

Apparently the information never should have been printed on the brochures. While we didn't press the issue as they had no way of honoring the promise, our Sears' contact at least knocked $200 off the total price for the false advertising.

Consequently, if you can get a hold of a Kenmore AC or furnace brochure before they reprint them all, feel free to try to grab the same discount if you can't talk them into honoring their advertising to install your new unit ASAP.