Today's Fantasy Rx

Arizona: Lance Cormier, 23, RH Starter
1-1 on an 11:2 K:BB in 13.2 IP over 2 GS
with 12 H, 0 HR, and a 1.98 ERA for AAA Tucson(PCL).
2-3 on a 58:17 K:BB in 63 IP over 8 GS(10G)
with 66 H, 3 HR, and a 2.29 ERA for AA El Paso(TL).

With almost no Snakes' starter save Randy pitching effectively, Cormier soon could join Arizona due to the lack of acceptable alternatives at Tucson. He pitched well there last year after an unexpected mid-season call-up, and his AA struggles appear more attributable to his unjustified demotion rather than any skill lapse. Cormier's overall dominance this year gives him as much immediate upside as any upper-level pitcher in the system, however unless you desperately need wins or innings, wait to see how he adjusts to the majors over a couple of starts before adding him to your roster.

Atlanta: Matt Whiteside, 36, RH Reliever
2-1 and 16 Saves on a 24:4 K:BB in 28.2 IP over 23 G
with 28 H, 5 HR, and a 3.45 ERA for AAA Richmond(IL).

The veteran righty hasn't pitched effectively in the majors since 2000, however after spending unimpressive two seasons in Colorado Springs, Whiteside appears ready to return to the big league. Of course, although all his skills seem solid, I suspect Atlanta likes having a veteran closing games in the upper minors. Even if Whiteside joins the Braves later this season, wait until he secures a regular role before considering him.

Chicago Cubs: Shawn Sedlacek, 26, RH Starter
3-1 on a 28:13 K:BB in 42 IP over 7 GS
with 39 H, 5 HR, and a 3.86 ERA for AAA Iowa(PCL).
0-1 on an 11:2 K:BB in 13.2 IP over 1 GS(8G)
with 24 H, 1 HR, and an 11.20 ERA for AA Binghamton(EL).

Purchased from the Mets a month ago, Sedlacek now looks like the most reliable pitcher left on an Iowa staff depleted by promotions needed to replace the multitude of injured Cubs' pitchers. Most of his past problems appear due to shoddy defense as he owns decent control and doesn't allow an abundance of homers. While he likely won't find a significant role in Chicago, pitcher-desperate teams could target Sedlacek whenever he returns to the majors since he still should enjoy a respectable career.

Cincinnati: Seth Etherton, 27, RH Starter
2-1 on a 22:5 K:BB in 19.2 IP over 4 GS
with 20 H, 4 HR, and a 3.66 ERA for AAA Louisville(IL).
4-1 on a 46:9 K:BB in 41 IP over 7 GS
with 31 H, 2 HR, and a 1.98 ERA for AA Chattanooga(SL).

Cincinnati still believes in Etherton even after he failed miserably in seven starts with the Reds last year. However, sending him to Chattanooga to start this season now looks like a great move since he began dominating batters for the first time this decade and now ranks as the best starter on Louisville. My main concern here is that he hasn't managed even to echo his minor league success when in the majors, but you still should target Etherton if Cincinnati promotes him since he owns the skills necessary to succeed in the majors.

Colorado: Travis Driskill, 32, RH Starter
4-5 on a 39:10 K:BB in 61 IP over 10 GS(13G)
with 73 H, 7 HR, and a 4.87 ERA for AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).

While Driskill pitched passably for Baltimore the last two seasons, the journeyman's reliance on his defense leaves him especially vulnerable to pitching in Coors. I suspect Colorado will require his services later this year, but since I won't even recommend Joe Kennedy when the lefty owns one of the best skill sets in baseball, I certainly won't suggest you consider Driskill. Ignore him indefinitely since he doesn't even appear likely to remain effective in an extremely pitcher-friendly environment.

Florida: Michael Tejera, 27, LH Starter
6-1 on a 45:23 K:BB in 66 IP over 12 GS
with 67 H, 11 HR, and a 3.68 ERA for AAA Albuquerque(PCL).

Tejera belongs in the majors after spending almost all of the last two seasons in Florida. He fits very nicely in the Marlins' bullpen thanks to his decent dominance and acceptable control. Although I don't envision him contributing to fantasy teams as anything more than roster filler, he isn't a bad pitcher to target assuming he soon secures a regular role in the majors as I expect.

Houston: Chad Qualls, 25, RH Starter
3-2 on a 52:19 K:BB in 72.1 IP over 12 GS
with 88 H, 4 HR, and a 5.35 ERA for AAA New Orleans(PCL).

Tim Redding continues to start for the Astros since no one in New Orleans' rotation appears ready for the majors. Qualls qualifies as the healthiest starter pitching reasonably well, and only shoddy defensive support keeps his ERA above 5.00, however he isn't fulfilling the expectations formed after pitching impressively over the last two seasons at AA Round Rock(TL). I don't envision him joining Houston in the near future except as a spot starter or long reliever, so ignore Qualls until he emerges as someone able to help you quantitatively.

Los Angeles: Troy Brohawn, 31, LH Reliever
1-4 and 2 Saves on a 25:8 K:BB in 32.2 IP over 29 G
with 38 H, 4 HR, and a 3.58 ERA for AAA Las Vegas(PCL).

Although Los Angeles doesn't need him right now thanks to the effective work from lefties Tom Martin and Wilson Alvarez, Brohawn merits a look later this year since he owns the skills necessary to emerge as a quality reliever for the Dodgers. Yes, he isn't likely to perform much better than Martin, so you probably should plan to ignore him, however I also doubt Brohawn will hurt you if needed as short-term roster filler.

Milwaukee: Ben Hendrickson, 23, RH Starter
0-1 on a 2:2 K:BB in 5 IP over 1 GS
with 7 H, 0 HR, an 11-2 G-F, and a 7.20 ERA for Milwaukee.
4-2 on a 47:16 K:BB in 59 IP over 11 GS
with 59 H, 4 HR, and a 2.59 ERA for AAA Indianapolis(IL).

The Brewers' top pitching prospect appears ready for the majors now, however spending another couple months at Indianapolis certainly won't hurt Hendrickson, especially since he needs to build more arm strength. He owns the all-around skill set necessary to succeed at any level, and Milwaukee fans should eagerly anticipate his return as more than a spot starter. Definitely try to acquire Hendrickson once he reaches the Brewers to stay since he should emerge as no worse than a capable #3 starter by the end of next season.

Montreal: Wilton Chavez, 25, RH Starter
2-6 on a 54:19 K:BB in 69.2 IP over 12 GS
with 80 H, 9 HR, and a 4.39 ERA for AAA Edmonton(PCL).

Acquired from the Cubs for Jose Macias in December, Chavez now ranks among Montreal's best pitching prospects. Of course, an increasing homer problem makes him a risky pitcher, and he hasn't demonstrated much skills growth since first reaching AAA last spring. However, he still appears better prepared for the majors than almost any of his teammates, so if the Expos deal a veteran starter later in the season, Chavez should finish this year in Montreal. Assuming he maintains these skill ratios until his call-up, feel free to target him if your team needs starters.

New York Mets: Jose Parra, 31, RH Reliever
2-1 and 15 Saves on an 32:10 K:BB in 25.2 IP over 22 G
with 19 H, 1 HR, and a 1.75 ERA for AAA Norfolk(IL).

Parra missed most of the last two seasons and suffered command problems when previously promoted to the majors, so I don't know if he can maintain his effectiveness with the Mets. However, he also appears much better prepared to succeed as a big league reliever, and his impressive performance at Norfolk makes him a top candidate for a recall in the near future. Assuming he echoes these skills in New York, I see sufficient upside to recommend you acquire him if looking for roster filler.

Philadelphia: Clay Condrey, 28, RH Starter
5-2 on a 37:12 K:BB in 65.2 IP over 11 GS
with 69 H, 9 HR, and a 3.97 ERA for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre(IL).

Hopefully Philadelphia won't require Condrey's services as a starter since his lack of dominance largely negates his impressive command. While the former Padre owns the skills necessary to contribute in the bullpen, his difficulties as a starter last year should keep him out of a big league rotation. Wait until he demonstrates the ability to avoid qualitative disasters over several appearances in relief before considering Condrey in any fantasy league.

Pittsburgh: Dave Williams, 25, LH Starter
4-1 on a 64:15 K:BB in 79.1 IP over 13 GS
with 76 H, 5 HR, and a 3.40 ERA for AAA Nashville(PCL).

With both Josh Fogg and Ryan Vogelsong badly flailing, Williams merits another shot with the Pirates. Considering Pittsburgh originally rushed him toe the majors after only 10 starts in the upper minors, hopefully splitting the last two seasons between the DL and Nashville helped Williams regain the impressive skills he demonstrated as a stud A-ball prospect back in 2000. I suspect the Pirates will give Sean Burnett dibs on any open starting spot, but since only Oliver Perez seems guaranteed to remain in the rotation indefinitely, expect Williams in the majors by August. Despite concerns regarding Pittsburgh's hitter-friendly home park and a group of mostly inexperienced position players, I also see no reason not to recommend you acquire Williams following his pending promotion since he appears perfectly ready to remain effective in Pittsburgh.

San Diego: Brian Sweeney, 29, RH Starter
6-2 on a 52:17 K:BB in 67.1 IP over 11 GS(12G)
with 68 H, 7 HR, and a 3.61 ERA for AAA Portland(PCL).

Although he didn't enter a game despite spending a few days with the Padres last month, Sweeney now looks like the best option if San Diego needs another replacement starter given Justin Germano's difficulties. Of course, Sweeney deserved to break camp in the majors after the Padres swiped him from Seattle in the Jeff Cirillo deal, but a mid-season promotion at least gives the minor league veteran an extended audition. The combination of his excellent command and the benefits of pitching home games in Petco make Sweeney particularly attractive for fantasy owners, so definitely attempt to acquire him once he seems settled in San Diego.

San Francisco: Dave Veres, 37, RH Reliever
0-1 and 11 Saves on a 19:6 K:BB in 22.1 IP over 23 G
with 27 H, 3 HR, and a 6.04 ERA for AAA Fresno(PCL).

Considering the veteran reliever pitched very well with the Cubs last season and owns good skills in Fresno despite a poor ERA, Veres at least should help as roster filler if promoted later this year. Unfortunately, I suspect the Giants, based on their repeated call-ups of David Aardsma, instead prefer their homegrown arms, making Veres a superfluous part of the organization. Wait until he emerges a part of a regular bullpen rotation considering him for your team.

St. Louis: Chad Paronto, 28, RH Reliever
4-2 on a 16:9 K:BB in 21.2 IP over 17 G
with 17 H, 0 HR, and a 0.00 ERA for AAA Memphis(PCL).

Paronto's perfect ERA makes him a logical candidate for promotion given the Cardinals' established preference for effectiveness over skill. Of course, he also possesses respectable skills and could succeed in the majors, especially with the St. Louis defense supporting him, but Paronto's control problems make him a poor choice for fantasy teams. I see no reason you not to ignore him in favor of the half-dozen superior options already in the Cardinals' bullpen.

Internet Challenge

SP(6)
Pedro Martinez: Sun:LA(H.Nomo)
Randy Johnson: Sun:@TOR(T.Lilly)
Mike Mussina: Fri:SD(A.Eaton)
Roy Halladay: Sat:ARI(A.Good)
Tim Hudson: Fri:PIT(K.Benson)
Javier Vazquez: Sun:SD(D.Wells)
Roy Oswalt: Sat:@MIL(C.Capuano?)
Shawn Chacon: 3 Road at TB.

No starts: Schilling, Wood, Brown, Beckett.

Since we like every start save Halladay, we'll deploy our top starters.

Pierre and Crawford sit as they respectively face IRod and CJ, while Beltran stays on the bench for cap reasons. Hudson still isn't back, and due to our starters' excess, we'll leave Cintron in the lineup as Arizona heads to Toronto rather than try to fit Fullmer or Crede.

The Umpire Hunter(14th lg; 500th overall)
Week 10b: June 11-June 13

C	Mike Piazza		990
C	Jason Varitek		680
1B	Lyle Overbay		400
1B	Mark Teixeira		760
2B	Alfonso Soriano		1930
3B	Eric Hinske		990
3B	Hank Blalock		850
SS	Alex Rodriguez		2010 
SS	Kazuo Matsui		750 
OF	Ichiro Suzuki		1560
OF	Vernon Wells		1150 
OF	Scott Podsednik		980
OF	Brad Wilkerson		690 
OF	Adam Dunn		690
OF	Miguel Cabrera		570 
DH	Victor Martinez		450 
DH	Alex Cintron		450

SP	Pedro Martinez		1800 
SP	Randy Johnson		1550 
SP	Mike Mussina		1380
SP	Tim Hudson		1320 
SP	Javier Vazquez		1280  
SP	Roy Oswalt		1200
RP	Eric Gagne		1890
RP	Octavio Dotel		1250
RP	Arthur Rhodes		800
RP	Matt Herges		670

Total Salary for Week 10b: 	29860

Today's Fantasy Rx: A little over two years after initially purchasing and then recommending Norah Jones' "Come Away with Me" album here, we've found another new artist that merits attention. Katie Melua launched her first album in the U.S. this week, and although I don't expect her to achieve the superstardom accorded Norah, "Call Off the Search" is a promising initial album. While she sings several covers and many of the dozen songs seem overproduced, her tone matches well with the chosen selections. In many ways she sounds like a jazzier, often brassier version of Norah, however Melua also recorded a couple of superb Chicago blues pieces, giving this release intriguing variety. Both her voice and overall sound reflect the diverse upbringing of someone born in Georgia, south of Russia rather than the Carolinas, who spent her formative years in Belfast and London. "Call Off the Search" may not find a wide audience, and we definitely recommend previewing song excerpts online before purchasing the CD, but please consider Melua if you like Norah and similar fusion musicians.