Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Bartolo Colon, RH Starter
17-12 on a 152:71 K:BB in 201.1 IP over 33 GS
with 212 H, 38 HR, a .91 G-F, and a 5.19 ERA.

Colon barely merited more than an occasional LPR mention over the last few months, yet his surge towards 20 wins despite his worst qualitative stats in several years makes his progression rather intriguing. The combination of a 45403 current QA log with a 10-4 record and a 4.05 ERA on a 72:35 K:BB in 89 IP in the second half places him on track to impress if Anaheim reaches the playoffs. Of course, the deterioration of his walk rate, ground-fly rate, homer rate, and hit rate all concern me, especially since he failed to reach the fifth inning in seven starts this season. Consider Colon among the more volatile pitchers in the majors, but given his recent success, you still should target him now anywhere he might help. He also now appears comfortable with the Angels and could push $20 next season if his qualitative marks rebound.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League surplus pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: The announcement that the Expos will move to Washington, DC next year, coupled with the Mets' signing of Omar Minaya, means that only Jose Vidro and Livan Hernandez appear relatively certain to open next year in Washington uniforms. Even the arbitration-eligible Brad Wilkerson and Nick Johnson might change uniforms depending on the new GM, so we see no need to retain any save the youngest current Expos as potential keepers. Instead focus on Juan Rivera, Terrmel Sledge, Maicer Izturis, Brendan Harris, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Luis Ayala, and John Patterson; this octet possesses the best combination of skills, youth, and upside for fantasy owners.