Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Kevin Gregg, RH Reliever
2-0 and 1 Save on a 34:9 K:BB in 35 IP over 20 G
with 26 H, 1 HR, a 1.11 G-F, and a 1.29 ERA.

I viewed Gregg as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate after he demonstrated continued skills development during an impressive 2003 season. Of course, since I expected him to succeed as a starter if given the opportunity, his dominating performance in the bullpen shouldn't surprise many. He ranks as the best rookie pitcher thus far by most measures, and given his all-around skill excellence, I see no reason why Gregg can't echo these stats for the rest of the season. If you see the opportunity, acquire Gregg since he should cruise to double-digit value.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: After over eight months of baseball without once employing a sixth starter, Seattle finally sundered their quintet by demoting Gil Meche after the young right-hander registered another poor start Tuesday night. Clint Nageotte replaced Meche in the third inning, earning the loss on a 1:4 K:BB in 4 IP with 4 H, 1 HR, and a 5-6 G-F in his big league debut, and now the prospect should enter Seattle's rotation. When promoted earlier this week, he owned a 4-3 record on a 42:25 K:BB in 48.1 IP over 9 G with 40 H, 7 HR, and a 4.66 ERA for AAA Tacoma(PCL). Nageotte certainly merits fantasy consideration, particularly in long-term leagues, but I don't expect him to experience much success for a few weeks. Bobby Madritsch appears far more prepared, although the Mariners likely will employ several rookies over the balance of the season once Seattle begins rebuilding earnestly. Only speculate on any of these starters if desperate for immediate wins or you can bury them on your reserve roster until they demonstrated respectable skill in the majors.