Today's Fantasy Rx

Note: The beginning of most stat lines includes the following data: H/AB for BA/OBP/SLG.

Anaheim: Ben Weber, RH Reliever
3-1 on a 40:16 K:BB in 65.2 IP over 50 G
with 64 H, 7 HR, and a 2.38 G-F; 2.88 ERA.

While Weber isn't even one of the three most prominent set-up men on the Angels, he owns solid all-around skills and appears on his way to matching or exceeding career-bests in several stats. A 2.5 K:BB, 5.5 K/9, and a 2.2 BB/9 provide a good foundation for any middle reliever, and although his 2.38 G-F is definitely down from past years, Weber's groundball tendency remains an important part of his success. He isn't matching his 2002 value due to a reduced quantitative contribution as a healthy Percival, Donnelly, and KRod own the Angels' late innings, however Weber's qualitative stats keep him among the best roto options among AL middle relievers. Feel free to acquire him if you could use a little help with your ERA and WHIP since Weber's relative lack of dominance barely cuts his value even in leagues that count strikeouts.

July Overachiever: Ramon Ortiz, RH Starter
Old stats: 9-6 on a 53:32 K:BB in 100.1 IP over 17 GS
with 118 H, 14 HR, and a .86 G-F; 4.66 ERA.
Recommendation: deal.
Stats since recommendation: 4-4 on a 21:19 K:BB in 40.2 IP over 8 GS
with 42 H, 8 HR, and a 5.09 ERA.

Previous Overachievers: April: Brendan Donnelly; May: Scot Shields.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The best AL teams on which to target relievers with good chances to vulture wins are Anaheim and Minnesota, the only two teams with below-average rotations, above-average bullpens, and respectable offenses. Francisco Rodriguez and LaTroy Hawkins own the highest current win totals in each team's bullpen, and based on their roles, I expect they'll hold those spot through the end of the season. Given their excellent skills, they should top your trade list when trolling for likely inexpensive pitchers to improve your staff.