Today's Fantasy Rx

I discussed several pitchers in detail last week here, and today I'll continue my examination of some intriguing performances this spring using our LPR system and Games Finished date as a guideline.

Last week, fifteen pitchers held ax ratings; right now 28 pitchers meet our standard, and the only ones no longer in big league camp are Jesse Crain, Evan Rust, and Bobby M. Jones. Crain, Tom Gordon, Matt Herges, Bart Miadich, and J.C. Romero also are the only pitchers I discussed here last week that maintained their ratings; the other 23 pitchers qualified in the past week.

Baltimore's B.J. Ryan is the only new qualifier to appear in seven games without a single poor outing. Considering he normally dominates in April, we definitely recommend him in any league where you easily can reserve or release him when May begins.

Three new qualifiers appeared in six games without any disasters. You know that Eric Gagne and Rheal Cormier rank as the safest bets in the game, however the Dodgers' Agustin Montero looks like an intriguing sleeper. He owns career strikeout rate of 8.1 K/9, however his 5.5 career walk rate has held him back. If he can build on his spring training success, Montero could take advantage of the impressive Los Angeles defense to post helpful qualitative marks. Another three pitchers appeared in five games without suffering any disastrous outings. Cliff Politte is a sleeper closer in Chicago, although his flyball problems make me hesitant to recommend him. Ron Mahay, despite a strong 2003 season, isn't even guaranteed to break camp in a Rangers' pen that already includes lefties Brian Shouse and Erasmo Ramirez. Carlos Almanzar similarly is trying to sneak onto Texas' pitching staff, but due to his historically inconsistent skills, he ranks as a poor gamble right now.

Despite a single disaster each, Kyle Farnsworth and Lance Carter remain excellent targets for a couple bucks. While Vlad Nunez looks decent now, there's no reason to roster any Colorado reliever outside of Chacon and maybe Javier Lopez in the deepest NL leagues.

Other respectable relievers with decent skills this spring include Jorge Julio, Buddy Groom, Jorge Sosa, Francisco Cordero, Chad Fox, Tom Martin, Leo Estrella, Greg Swindell, and Britt Reames, who despite a strong spring won't be able to crack Oakland's loaded pen. The other eight relievers listed here all appear likely to break camp in the majors, and all save Swindell at least merit Dollar Days' consideration.

The one starter to earn an AX rating is Cincinnati's Jose Acevedo, who finally looks ready to emerge as the effective pitcher we expected to see two seasons ago. While his last two outings didn't match up to his initially dominant trio of starts, Acevedo remains a good gamble in any league.

Aside from Acevedo, the most impressive starter this spring maybe Javier Vazquez, although he only appears slightly ahead of Vicente Padilla, Kerry Wood, and Andy Pettitte. Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson, Oliver Perez, and Odalis Perez also look like good bets to meet preseason predictions of success.

Pitchers who neither have dominated nor struggled this spring include Doug Davis, Joe Kennedy, Pedro Martinez, Tim Redding, Mark Mulder, and Woody Williams. Of course, the latter two have battled injury problems and Kennedy is unownable in Colorado. Fortunately, Pedro, Davis, and Redding look like three respectable sleepers. I realize calling Pedro a sleeper is an unfamiliar designation for him, however we see a lot of evidence to suggest he could post a truly special season.

Tom Gordon continues to pace the majors with 9 games finished in New York. Even if he won't close this year barring a Rivera injury, he merits a couple bucks in every league. Baltimore's Mike DeJean ranks second with 6 GF, and while he hasn't remained nearly as effective as Gordon, he also has maintained at least decent skills in each appearance.

Eight pitchers now have finished 5 games. The only undisputed closers are Rivera, Joe Borowski, and David Riske, each of whom looks fully prepared to post helpful fantasy numbers this season.

Among the other five pitchers, we only easily can dismiss Eddie Oropesa, in camp with San Diego, as no more than roster filler. Robb Nen still hasn't pitched in a spring game, leaving a likely bullpen-by-committee in San Francisco. Based on a similar situation last season, while Matt Herges and Felix Rodriguez each have finished 5 games, Herges has dominated more opponents and more closely resembles 2003 closer Tim Worrell. If you draft Nen, draft Herges, although also rostering FRod isn't a terrible idea.

Chad Cordero continues to impress in Montreal camp. While Ryan Wagner beat him to the majors, Cordero owns much more immediate fantasy upside than his fellow first rounder since Rocky Biddle is not a particularly secure closer. Given the Expos' difficult travel schedule in the first half, I expect a closer change no later than the All-Star Break, though more likely during the extended Puerto Rican homestand the previous week.

Duaner Sanchez is the last pitcher to finish 5 games this spring, however he hasn't posted a single dominant outing. While he still might break camp with the Dodgers since he's out of options, he doesn't merit any fantasy consideration at this time since roughly a half-dozen pitchers appear more likely to receive save opportunities than Sanchez.

Today's Fantasy Rx: I discussed a couple of dozen pitchers who I expect to compile strong seasons this spring based on their demonstrated skill excellence during spring training. However, many of you also probably want to know who we recommend avoiding this year. Hideo Nomo tops our list of risky starters, immediately followed by Kirk Rueter. Relievers to avoid, assuming any of them actually breaks camp in the majors, include Franklyn German, Phil Norton, Joey Hamilton, and Rick White.

Despite owning the best ERA in spring training, Shawn Estes also shouldn't even approach your fantasy roster under any circumstances.