Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Ramon Ortiz, RH Swingman
5-7 on a 76:37 K:BB in 121.1 IP over 14 GS(31G)
with 132 H, 18 HR, a .86 G-F, and a 4.60 ERA.

A growing platoon split, unimpressive strikeout rate, and a career-worst ground-fly ratio make Ortiz no more than a marginal starter. He looks like a prime non-tender candidate as Anaheim almost certainly will decline his option this winter. Expect the 31-year-old to sign an incentive-laden deal, but if he lands with a strong defensive team in a friendly home park, such as Tampa or San Francisco, he could rebound with a very impressive season. Of course, after compiling a 2.98 ERA on a 28:14 K:BB in 42.1 IP with 35 H and 5 H over 17 relief appearances, Ortiz also appears prepared for short relief work. Unfortunately, his continually changing role means only rebuilding teams can target Ortiz now as his inconsistent workload leaves him at extreme risk for qualitative disasters.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League underachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Players still underachieving into September likely won't rebound with less than three weeks remaining in the season. Healthy AL pitchers who might merit replacing in some leagues include Aaron Sele, Daniel Cabrera, Cliff Lee, Ryan Franklin, Ron Villone, Dewon Brazelton, Rob Bell, and Miguel Batista. Cabrera, Lee, and Brazelton should enjoy bright futures, and Batista certainly could rebound next year, but I generally see little reason to these pitchers right now barring a tight category race, especially if you see a promising September call-up registering helpful stats.