Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA) 9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 K, W

Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners pitched a complete game two-hitter in the Bronx this Wednesday in what was hit best start of the 2010 season to date. He fanned every starter on the Yankees roster with the exception of first half MVP candidate, Robinson Cano. Additionally, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez each struck out twice against King Felix. 

This outing was Hernandez’s third straight game pitching at least nine innings, and third complete game of the season. Roy Halladay is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball who has eaten more innings than the King thus far in 2010.

Felix Hernandez was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2002 out of Valencia, Venezuela. After tearing his way through Minor League Baseball, he debuted for the Mariners on August 4, 2005 at the age of 19.In 2009, Hernandez’s brightest season, Felix earned seventeen wins, 200+ strikeouts and a trip to the MLB All-Star Game. Moreover, Felix finished second in the American League Cy Young voting and was rewarded handsomely with a five year $78 million dollar contract.

Since his debut, Hernandez has won more than ten games in three of his four full seasons in the bigs and is on pace to do so again in 2010. A career 8.17 K/9 pitcher, King Felix’s repertoire includes a fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. These tools have Hernandez on pace to surpass his career high for strikeouts in a season (217 in 2009). 

Notable Achievements:

Named number one pitcher prospect by Baseball America (2005)
Hit a Grand Slam off Johan Santana in his only plate appearance in 2008
Pitched for his native Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic (2009)
Named to the American League All-Star team (2009)
Finished second to Zack Greinke for the American League CY Young Award (2009)
Felix made history on June 3, 2010 when he struck out four Minnesota Twins’ in the eighth inning.

Felix Hernandez is currently owned in 98% of Y! leagues. 

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.

The No Brainers in the NL:

Roy Halladay/PHI (@SD, vs. SF) – Until he gives you a reason not to.
Mike Pelfrey/NYM (vs. CIN, vs. ATL) – He’s 10-2 and has a save!
Jonathan Sanchez/SFG (@ MIL, @ WAS) – Despite being just 6-6, he’s rockin’ decent ratios and a .211 BAA

The No Brainers in the AL:

CC Sabathia/NYY (@ OAK, @ SEA) – 6-0 in last six starts. 
Felix Hernandez/SEA (vs. KC, vs. NYY) – See the King’s Profile above
Jered Weaver/LAA (@ CHW, @ OAK) – 10.27 K/9, Leads MLB in K’s

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

John Ely/LAD (vs. FLA, vs. CHC) – Only two earned runs in last two.

Justin Masterson/CLE (@ TEX, @ TB) – One ER, 5:0 K:BB & Glimpses of the “Breakout” we’ve been waiting for last outing vs. Toronto.

Madison Bumgarner/SFG (@ MIL, @ WAS) -MadBum gets the nod on the road versus two mediocre offenses despite his 0-2 start.

Erik Bedard/SEA (vs. KC, vs. NYY) – First start in a year, but it’s the Royals! His second start depends on if his labrum is intact following Tuesday’s trip.

Vincente Padilla/LAD (vs. FLA, vs. CHC) – Just because his looks intimidate you enough to start him twice.

Don’t Touch ‘Em

Aaron Laffey, Jesse Litsch, Jeff Suppan, Kevin Slowey

Week 14 One Start Stars Owned in 50% or Less

Livan Hernandez/WAS 42% Y! – Wednesday vs. SD (Garland) – ERA under three.
Tommy Hunter/TEX 24% Y! – Thursday vs. BAL (Guthrie)  – 5-0, 1.98 ERA
Tim Wakefield/BOS 4% Y! – Wednesday @ TB (Price) – Deep Leagues Only! 

Who will win the pitching duel of the week: Strasburg or Cain?
Who will be the best 2-Start Pitcher owned in 50% or less in week 14?
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