Gio Gonzalez (SP-OAK) 8IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER/ 1 BB, 5 K

Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2004 MLB amateur draft, Gio Gonzalez was involved in three trades for the likes of Jim Thome, Freddy Garcia and Nick Swisher before landing in Oakland in 2006. Gio debuted in August of 2008 for the Athletics, and in the 132 innings Gonzalez pitched between 2008-2009, he displayed a filthy 9.7 K/9 rate. However, Gio’s lack of control was evident as he accumulated a 5+ BB/9 over that same period. Through nine starts in 2010, Gio has gathered six quality starts, five wins and has seen a decrease in his H/9, BB/9 and HR/9 surrendered. This past Saturday’s shutout against the Giants was no fluke. Gio is currently ranked higher than Sabathia, Liriano, Kershaw, Gallardo, Cliff Lee and Hamels and is owned in only 19% Y! leagues.

Fantasy Baseball’s Whine of the Week: 

Nyjer Morgan (OF-WAS) Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles crushed a ball to deep center field, and as Nyjer jumped and braced himself for impact against the wall, he lost track of the ball, his glove and his maturity. Watch it here. Video Courtesy of Natstown, the official website of the Washington Nationals. 

The “Double Dipper” is a starting pitcher who will get two starts in the same week. Each  Sunday we will preview top three options in each league and highlight streaming options for players owned in less than 50% of Y! leagues. 

Top 3 NL Double Dippers: 

Jaime Garcia/St. Louis (@SD, vs. CHC) – 4-2, 1.28 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 7/8 QS. 
Mike Leake/Cincy (vs. PIT, vs. HOU) – 4-0, 7 QS in 8 trips to the hill.  
Anibal Sanchez/Florida (vs. ATL, vs. PHI) – 2-0, 14 IP, 2 ER, 15:4 K:BB in last 2. 

Top 3 AL Double Dippers 

Jon Lester/Boston (@TB, vs. KC) – 4-0 with 49K’s in last 6 GS. 
John Danks/CWS (@CLE, @TB) – Despite 0-3 in last 4, Still rockin’ a 2.26 ERA 
James Shields/Rays (vs. BOS, @CHW) – 7 QS in 9. 10 or more K’s 3 times. 

Warning: Streaming can be lethal. The following are owned in less than 50% of Y! leagues. 

Only If You’re Streaming 

Ian Kennedy/Arizona (@COL, @SF) – Coming into his own..Read here.. 
Joe Saunders/LAA (vs. TOR, vs. SEA) – 2 W & only 2ER allowed in last 3. 22+ IP. 
Jon Garland/SD (vs. STL, vs. WAS) – 5-0 in last 6. K:BB is ugly but 2.38 ERA is niiiiiiceee. (<–Borat voice) 

Don’t Touch ‘Em 

Gil Meche/KC, Justin Masterson/CLE, Felipe Paulino/HOU 

Week 8 One Start Stars Owned in 50% or Less 

Clayton Richard/SD 29% Y! – Friday @ WAS (Lannan) – Hasn’t lost or allowed more than 3 ER in last 7. 
Kris Medlen/ATL 11% Y! – Saturday @ PIT (Burres) – Stellar out of the pen in place of Jurrjens. Allowed only 2 ER in each of 2 starts in place of Jair, 28:7 K:BB. 

No More Lima Time: RIP Jose Lima (1972-2010)

Who will be the best 2-Start pitcher owned in 50% or less for Week 8?
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Tags: Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Blog, Fantasy Sports Blog, MLB, Two Start Pitchers, Double Dippers, Fonzy Scheme, Gio Gonzalez, Oakland Athletics, John Lester, Boston Red Sox, James Shields, Tampa Bay Rays, John Danks, Chicago White Sox, Jamie Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals, Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds, Anibal Sanchez, Florida Marlins, Ian Kennedy, Arizona Diamondbacks, Joe Saunders, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Jon Garland, San Diego Padres, Gil Meche, Kansas City Royals, Justin Masterson, Cleveland Indians, Felipe Paulino, Houston Astros, Jose Lima