Today's Fantasy Rx

Note: The beginning of most stat lines includes the following data: H/AB for BA/OBP/SLG.

Anaheim: Scot Shields, RH Swingman
2-1 and 1 Save on a 38:14 K:BB in 45.2 IP over 17 G(2GS)
with 40 H, 2 HR, and a 1.51 G-F; 1.38 ERA.

Shields converted to relief at the end of 2001 with amazing results, and yet his current stats still seem rather unbelievable considering he doesn't particularly dominate most hitters. However he allows few homers, pitches in one of baseball's best pens, and doesn't suffer from a severe platoon split. I see little downside here, and while he I don't envision him moving into either the rotation or the closer's job on a regular basis any time soon, he remains quite useful in middle relief. Feel free to acquire him, particularly if he's a free agent in your league.

April Overachiever: Brendan Donnelly, RH Reliever
Old stats: 0-0 on a 15:7 K:BB in 16 IP over 12 G
with 5 H, 0 HR, and a 9-24 G-F; 0.00 ERA.
Recommendation: wait.
Stats since recommendation: 0-0 on a 16:1 K:BB in 12 IP over 9 G
with 10 H, 0 HR, and a .75 ERA.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Rod Beck posted a 1-1 record and 4 Saves on a 26:7 K:BB in 30.2 IP over 21 G with 25 H, 2 HR, and a .59 ERA at AAA Iowa(PCL) this year. Per his request, the Cubs released him Monday after inanely failing to make a spot for him on the roster, and San Diego immediately signed him to a major league deal. While he may not immediately supplant Matt Herges, expect Beck to begin closing within a week or two. We carried him all season in one NL-only league in the belief he'd succeed if given this opportunity, and we see no reason why Beck can't reemerge as a top closer. He certainly merits significant FAAB bids from any owners that need saves.