Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Ben Weber, RH Reliever
0-1 on a 10:7 K:BB in 16.2 IP over 14 G
with 29 H, 3 HR, a 2.44 G-F, and a 7.02 ERA.

After leading the AL in defensive efficiency in 2002 and finishing fifth in the league last season, Anaheim now ranks as the fourth worst defensive team in the majors, a change we partially can attribute to moving a Gold Glover centerfielder to first base. No Angels' pitcher relies on solid defensive support more than Weber, who owns a meager 5.2 career strikeout rate and never managed even a 5.6 K/9 in any of his five seasons. While he remains an extreme groundball pitcher, sharply increased hit and walk rates render him effectively useless to both Anaheim and fantasy owners. Brendan Donnelly's return likely will push Weber to the minors for most of the summer, so deal or cut him now before his value completely disappears.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League underachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The Indians own the majors' worst bullpen by a significant margin, the majors' third worst defense after Minnesota and Kansas City, and the worst team ERA. Do not roster any Cleveland pitcher as roster filler because the combination of poor defense and limited help from other relievers makes most Indians highly risky picks. C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Jake Westbrook all merit ownership in almost every league, and current closer Rafael Betancourt and Jason Davis at least offer significant upside. However, unless Matt Miller continues taking advantage of this opportunity in the majors, I see no reason to risk keeping any other Cleveland reliever on your team.