Fantasy Baseball Insiders

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Continuing our mailbox segment properly titled Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ Inbox, our Insider will answer a question posed by one of our loyal readers.

If you have a pressing question for the Insider, whether it be a trade proposal or a spot-start question, drop him a line: nick@fantasybaseballinsiders.com.

This week’s question: Looking ahead to week seven, who is the best option among the following starting pitchers? Mike Leake, (who I currently own) Ben Sheets, Derek Holland or Jhoulys Chacin?

- Mark (Chicago, IL)

Thanks for writing the Insider, Mark.

Of the four pitchers you mentioned, Mike Leake has been the best thus far. In six starts this season, he’s posted five quality starts and owns a sparkling 3.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.

If we’re speaking solely on his week seven value, however, his one start at Atlanta (5/20) disqualifies him from the discussion.

In weekly leagues, Sheets, Holland and Chacin owners have the benefit of two starts each.

Derek Holland pitched exceptionally well in his season debut against Oakland on Wednesday, tossing six shutout innings while striking out seven. He will face the Angels (5/17) and Cubs (5/22) next week, both in Arlington.

Angels’ regulars hit .300 (18-60) against Holland last season. The Cubs have yet to see the 23-year-old, but are hitting .279 (82-for-294) against southpaws in 2010. For these reasons, Holland probably isn’t your best bet.

Jhoulys Chacin opened the season with a 15 1/3 scoreless inning streak, but was rocked for six runs in five innings Thursday night against the Nationals.

The 22-year-old Chacin will pitch against the Cubs (5/18) and Royals(5/23) next week, both on the road. Young pitchers without much major-league experience are generally very inconsistent, making them poor spot-start options. Because we have limited history to judge Chacin’s worth, he’s probably not the best choice in week seven.

Ben Sheets‘ 5.70 ERA through eight starts thus far is somewhat deceiving, as most of the damage against him has come in two starts at Toronto and Tampa Bay. In his six remaining outings, Sheets has posted five quality starts.

The 31-year-old will match up against the Mariners (5/18) and Giants (5/23) in week seven, both starts being in Oakland, where Sheets is 2-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP this season.

Seattle regulars are 10-for-49 (.204) in their career against Sheets, though four of those hits have come off the bat of Ken Griffey Jr. Only five regulars on the Giants’ roster have seen Sheets, collecting a combined .260 (6-for-23) lifetime average.  

All signs point to Ben Sheets as the best spot-start option in week seven. As tough as it may be to dump Leake (just for next week), it’s the right move. Scoop up Sheets and enjoy his two-start week!

Do you have a question for the Insider? Shoot him an e-mail: nick@fantasybaseballinsiders.com  

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