Today's Fantasy Rx

American League Relief Pitchers with DV of $0 and $1

Quick Key to the tables:
W = Wins.  S = Saves.  ERA = Earned Run Average (ER*9/IP).
WHIP = (Walks + Hits)/IP aka Ratio.  K = Strikeouts.  BB = Bases on Balls aka Walks.
H = Hits.  IP = Innings Pitched.  P = Pitches.  B = Bats.
2003 Age = Player's Age as of October 1, 2003.
4x4 = BA, HR, RBI, and SB in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
5x5 = BA, HR, RBI, SB, and R in 12-team, $260 leagues with 23-man rosters.
DV = Draft Value (The price a player earned under a 70/30 hitting/pitching split).
AV = Actual Value (The price a player earned under a 50/50 hitting/pitching split).
Rotohelp = 2003 Rotohelp Predicted Draft Value.
LABR/Tout = 2003 Expert League prices; LABR for 4x4. Tout Wars for 5x5.

Average league worst BA, ERA, and WHIP based on data compiled from TQ Stats.

Players are ranked in order from the highest draft value in a 4x4 league to the lowest. As the majority of fantasy leagues allow you to keep anyone traded to the other league, all players are listed in the league where they began the season.

55.		W	S	ERA	WHIP	K	BB	H	IP
Sterling Hitchcock		6	0	4.72	1.40	68	32	91	87.2
NYY/STL		DV		AV		Rotohelp		LABR/Tout
P:L    B:L	4x4:	1		2		0
2003 Age: 32	5x5:	2		3		0		R

Most of Hitchcock's problems with the Yankees stem from the terrible defensive support he received. Upon moving from New York to St. Louis, his hit rate immediately dropped from 10.3 to 8.1 H/9. He similarly appeared more comfortable as a starter, however as he perpetually pitches better against left-handers, he might pitch most effectively as a left-handed specialist. Of course, Hitchcock's decision to rejoin the Padres means that while he likely will open the year in the pen, an injury to Ismael Valdes or any other starter should propel him back into the rotation. Hitchcock should pitch decently in either year roll as his respectable dominance and command compensate for his continually weak ground-fly rate, but he also doesn't deserve much fantasy consideration in most leagues due to his inconsistent qualitative contributions.

50 Days to Choose Your Pitchers: '04 continues tomorrow with more American League relievers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Bronson Arroyo stands out as one of the most intriguing fantasy picks of the year. While he enters spring training as only Boston's fourth right-handed reliever and nominal sixth starter, he dominated AAA in 2003 and compiled solid skills in the majors towards the end of the year. Arroyo appears prepared to approach double-digit value regardless of his role, making him one of the better late-round targets in AL-only leagues.