Fantasy Baseball

BY ADAM RONIS

Chipper Jones remains scorching. He hit his 10th homer and has 29 RBIs with a .426 average. I'll say it again: If he remains healthy for the entire season, he'll be the best bargain in fantasy this season.

Chris Young had a rare game when he was hittable. He gave up nine hits in five innings. It doesn't happen often and it came against a good Braves' offense, so don't worry.

Jair Jurrjens pitched well again for the Braves. He struck out eight in six innings and allowed one run. He is 4-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Manny Acosta allowed two hits while recording one out and was removed in the ninth. Jeff Bennett got the final out for the save.

David Ortiz homered for the second straight game and has seven homers.

Tim Wakefield allowed two hits in eight scoreless innings and struck out six. He will be inconsistent, but he'll have some gems like tonight. He's worth owning in deep leagues. He is 3-1 with a 3.33 ERA.

Nate McLouth, highlighted in Sunday's newspaper column, was moved to the No. 2 spot against the Giants and didn't slow down at all. He went 3-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs. He is batting .333 with nine homers and 28 RBIs.

Jonathan Sanchez had a bad start against the Pirates. He allowed seven runs and walked three in 4 1/3 innings. He will get a lot of strikeouts, but will be inconsistent.

Fausto Carmona struggled with his control again walking five in five innings and allowed six hits, but gave up just three runs. He is very lucky his ERA is 2.95. His K/BB ratio of 15/31 indicates his ERA will rise. I'd be concerned and look to trade him. Make sure you stress his 2.95 ERA.

Scott OIsen pitched real well again. He went 8 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed two hits, four walks and struck out eight. He is 4-1 with a 2.22 ERA. His K/BB ratio of 23/19 isn't good, but the eight strikeouts tonight were a good sign, although it did come against a free swinging Brewers team. I'd sell high.

Carlos Pena is really struggling. He went 0-for-4 and struck out each time. He has seven homers and 17 RBIs, but is hitting .207 with a 39/13 K/BB ratio.

Troy Percival picked up his seventh save and has yet to allow an earned run.

Carlos Zambrano was spectacular again. He threw eight scoreless innings and struck out three to improve to 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA.

Aaron Harang received no run support again. He is 1-5 despite a 3.09 ERA.

Brian Bannister was hammered again. Hope you sold high when I told you to.

Lance Berkman continues to sizzle. He went 5-for-5 with four runs and an RBI. He is batting .353.

Gavin Floyd lost a no-hitter with one out in the ninth inning. He has a K/BB ratio of 19/18, but is 3-1 with a 2.50 ERA. Sell high.

Chris Ianetta went 2-for-4 with two runs, his third homer and two RBIs. He is hitting .362 and should see more playing time. Pick him up in leagues that start two catchers.

Carlos Beltran was out of the lineup due to flu-like symptoms.

Rafael Furcal didn't start because of a stiff back.

Wil Ledezma will start for the Padres on Thursday in place of Justin Germano.

Jimmy Rollins went 2-for-4 with a homer in an extended spring training game.

Barry Zito will start tomorrow against the Pirates. He was sent to the bullpen following his last start, but never pitched out of the pen.

Santiago Casilla picked up his first save of the season. He has yet to allow an earned run and strikes out a lot of batters. He was mentioned in my column a few weeks ago as a gut to pick up for insurance for Huston Street and as a guy to help lower your ERA and WHIP. Huston Street blew the save last night and was given the night off.

Sidney Ponson had another strong outing in his third start of the season for the Rangers. He went seven innings, allowing seven hits, one run, one walk and struck out two against a struggling Mariners offense. He is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA.