Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Derrick Turnbow, RH Reliever
0-0 on a 3:7 K:BB in 6.1 IP over 4 G
with 2 H, 0 HR, a 12-3 G-F, and a 0.00 ERA.
1-3 and 2 Saves on a 26:22 K:BB in 38 IP over 23 G
with 40 H, 4 HR, and a 4.97 ERA for AAA Salt Lake(PCL).

A poor spring showing promoted Anaheim to take advantage of an extra option year awarded to Turnbow last winter, however despite his impressive performance last September, he didn't merit a call-up at this time. Atrocious command makes him a very volatile pitcher at the moment, and despite consistently solid ground-fly rates, Turnbow offers little upside to the Angels. While most members of Anaheim's bullpen remain good fantasy gambles, his skills don't compare favorably with those of his fellow relievers. Anyone who grabbed Turnbow based on either his 2003 numbers or currently perfect ERA should deal or cut him immediately.

Baltimore: Erik Bedard, LH Starter
3-2 on a 48:36 K:BB in 63.1 IP over 13 GS
with 65 H, 4 HR, a 1.09 G-F, and a 3.70 ERA.
0-1 on a 3:3 K:BB in 5 IP over 2 GS
with 8 H, 1 HR, and a 7.20 ERA for AAA Ottawa(PCL).

The Orioles' former top prospect opened the season at Ottawa before assuming his post as Baltimore's fifth starter in late April. While his inconsistent control concerns me, Bedard also owns a 2.22 ERA this month on a 04434 QA log. Nothing in his current skill set significantly differs from his half-season at AA Bowie(EL) back in 2002, which indicates the 25-year-old should develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter once he fully recovers after missing most of last season following Tommy John surgery. I certainly don't expect Bedard to maintain a sub-4.00 ERA in 2004, however he owns the skills necessary to approach double-digit value, making him a good starter to target, especially for teams looking towards next year.

Boston: Mike Timlin, RH Reliever
4-3 and 1 Save on a 33:11 K:BB in 41.2 IP over 36 G
with 33 H, 3 HR, a 1.75 G-F, and a 3.24 ERA.

With four wins and impressive ratios, the 38-year-old Timlin owns his best all-around skills in nearly a decade. Expecting some qualitative erosion over the balance of the year seems wise, but Timlin appears positioned to echo his recent performance quite nicely. Although I expect an increasing homer rate will push his ERA towards 4.00, he still will earn several dollars of fantasy value as one of the most reliable middle relievers in baseball. Certainly try to acquire him to improve your ERA/WHIP foundation.

Chicago White Sox: Shingo Takatsu, RH Closer
4-0 and 3 Saves on a 21:8 K:BB in 30.1 IP over 28 G
with 15 H, 2 HR, a 1.00 G-F, and a 1.19 ERA.

I admit Mr. Zero's emergence as Chicago's closer shocks me, especially since his unimpressive Japanese stats simply don't suggest a reliever capable of registering this skill set. Yet somehow Takatsu owns among the best skills of any pitcher in the game, and I see no reason he can't remain extremely effective, especially with the White Sox providing him impressive defensive support. Attempt to acquire Takatsu now while his role still appears slightly uncertain since he could approach two-dozen saves over the balance of the season.

Cleveland: Matt J. Miller, RH Reliever
2-0 on a 20:7 K:BB in 18.2 IP over 19 G
with 11 H, 0 HR, a 1.38 G-F, and a 2.41 ERA.
1-2 and 2 Saves on a 17:6 K:BB in 14 IP over 13 G
with 10 H, 0 HR, and a 1.93 ERA for AAA Buffalo(IL).

I only include Miller since his odds of seeing significant innings decreased rapidly once he turned 30 a couple years ago. Of course, the rookie reliever still possesses outstanding skills, and his performance with Cleveland this season might even move him into the mix for Indians' saves at some point. Miller's strong all-around skill set makes him one of the safest bets of any reliever still likely available even in deep AL leagues. Feel free to acquire him for added qualitative certainty since I simply see little downside in owning Miller.

Detroit: Craig Dingman, RH Reliever
2-1 on a 10:13 K:BB in 17.2 IP over 13 G
with 15 H, 1 HR, a 1.41 G-F, and a 3.57 ERA.
1-1 on a 12:2 K:BB in 10.1 IP over 9 G
with 8 H, 4 HR, and a 3.48 ERA for AAA Toledo(IL).

Nothing in Dingman's recent statistical history depicts a pitcher who barely merits a AAA spot, so his atrocious command better demonstrates his current skills level than his ERA. Not only do I see no upside in his performance, his respectable ERA belies a weak skill set. No reliever can remain effective while walking nearly a batter per innings, especially a middleman often summoned in the middle of innings. Deal or cut Dingman if you mistakenly added him earlier this month.

Kansas City: Jaime Cerda, LH Reliever
1-1 and 1 Save on a 16:16 K:BB in 22.1 IP over 25 G
with 17 H, 1 HR, a .70 G-F, and a 2.42 ERA.
0-0 on a 2:3 K:BB in 6 IP over 4 G
with 8 H, 0 HR, and a 3.00 ERA for AAA Omaha(PCL).

Cerda seems in the same statistical boat as Craig Dingman, except Cerda appears particularly vulnerable to a spike in his qualitative stats. The combination of a 1.0 K:BB and .64 G-F looks quite volatile, leaving Cerda susceptible both to a higher homer rate and a poor WHIP. The instability in Kansas City's bullpen provides yet another reason to deal or cut him at your first opportunity.

Minnesota: Juan Rincon, RH Reliever
8-3 and 1 Save on a 48:21 K:BB in 39.2 IP over 37 G
with 25 H, 1 HR, a 1.31 G-F, and a 2.04 ERA.

Middle relievers generally shouldn't share the team lead in wins, yet only Carlos Silva equals Rincon's total. His relatively strong skills and consistently solid QA scores similarly indicate significant potential for maintaining his impressive qualitative stats. Although Rincon won't displace Joe Nathan any time soon, he obviously possesses significant fantasy value in his current role. Make sure to acquire him if you see him available as a free agent.

New York Yankees: Paul Quantrill, RH Reliever
5-2 on a 21:9 K:BB in 48 IP over 41 G
with 54 H, 1 HR, a 1.24 G-F, and a 3.19 ERA.

The Yankees may lack a competent lefty reliever, but Mariano Rivera, Tom Gordon, and Quantrill provide Joe Torre with an impressive array of right-handed options. Aside from very helpful qualitative stats, Quantrill's five wins tie him for fourth on the team after only Vazquez, Mussina, and Brown. His role also gives him a good chance to finish the season near double-digit value, so even though a sharp drop in his ground-fly rate increases Quantrill's downside, attempt to acquire him to improve your ERA and WHIP foundation.

Oakland: Kirk Saarloos, RH Starter
0-0 on a 0:0 K:BB in 1.2 IP over 1 G
with 2 H, 0 HR, a 7-0 G-F, and a 5.40 ERA.
2-2 on a 23:10 K:BB in 26.1 IP over 6 GS
with 32 H, 5 HR, and a 5.81 ERA between AAA New Orleans(PCL) and AAA Sacramento(PCL).

The Athletics selected Saarloos to start tomorrow night against Anaheim based on four passable starts for Sacramento instead of choosing someone that hasn't left the River Cats' rotation all season like Joe Blanton, John Rheinecker, and Steve Woodard. Of course, including Mike Wood in the Beltran/Dotel deal cost Oakland their most prepared big league starter considering they appear unwilling to allow Justin Duchscherer to move back to the rotation. At least the Athletics' solid defense and forgiving home park limits Saarloos' downside, and he could surprise us. However, he realistically doesn't belong in the majors right now, so wait to see if he succeeds and finds an unexpected permanent job with Oakland before considering him for your team.

Seattle: Mike Myers, LH Reliever
3-1 on a 15:9 K:BB in 19 IP over 35 G
with 15 H, 0 HR, a 1.24 G-F, and a 3.32 ERA.

Expect him to depart the Mariners by the end of next month, which might increase the likelihood of Myers exceeding his career-best total of 4 wins in a season. Of course, a nearly fifty percent drop in his ground-fly rate leaves him very vulnerable to homer problems if he heads back to a hitters' park, and after spending the last eight seasons in some of the least pitcher-friendly venues in baseball, he shouldn't want to leave Seattle. Yet he obviously offers meager upside thanks to his limited role, making him a target only as short-tern roster filler while he remains with the Mariners.

Tampa Bay: Dewon Brazelton, RH Starter
2-0 on a 13:15 K:BB in 26.1 IP over 4 GS(5G)
with 22 H, 0 HR, a .84 G-F, and a 2.05 ERA.
4-4 on a 38:15 K:BB in 49.2 IP over 10 GS
with 61 H, 0 HR, and a 4.71 ERA for AAA Durham(IL).

I still believe the #3 pick in the 2001 draft will enjoy a long, productive career, but a 3043 QA log just doesn't convince me that Brazelton can maintain an ERA much below 4.00 give his command problems. Yes, the Rays' great defense provides him better support than he'll receive anywhere in the minors, and he could continue succeeding in a longer audition. However, he just doesn't own the skills necessary to remain such a dominant fantasy source at this time, making him a good pitcher to deal to anyone who believes Tampa will hang around the .500 mark all season long.

Texas: Ryan Drese, RH Starter
4-5 on a 51:26 K:BB in 98.1 IP over 14 GS(15G)
with 92 H, 10 HR, a 2.21 G-F, and a 3.39 ERA.

Three Rangers' pitchers currently own shockingly impressive stats for the season, but while Carlos Almanzar and likely All-Star Kenny Rogers own the historical and current skills necessary to hold ERAs near 3.50, Drese appears far riskier right now. His 34244 current QA log obviously depicts a consistently effective pitcher, but Drese doesn't own good command, isn't winning many games, and can't maintain a 1.99 ERA at home during a typical Texas summer. While his skills indicate a better pitcher than illustrated by his 5.11 ERA road ERA, at least try to shop him to any team willing to swap an established qualitative stud with less downside for a wild card like Drese.

Toronto: Vinnie Chulk, RH Reliever
0-0 and 2 Saves on a 14:9 K:BB in 19 IP over 13 G
with 14 H, 0 HR, a .91 G-F, and a 1.42 ERA.
4-2 and 3 Saves on a 26:11 K:BB in 28.2 IP over 18 G
with 27 H, 5 HR, and a 2.83 ERA for AAA Syracuse(IL).

Although Chulk appears capable of starting successfully, his respectable performance as a reliever gives the Jays the flexibility necessary to deal a couple of veteran right-handers for more prospects. Of course, Chulk offers little roto upside since Jason Frasor appears secure as Toronto's closer, and I also don't envision him maintaining qualitative stats near his current marks. However, he also likely won't hurt you, so feel free to target Chulk as short-tern roster filler if needed.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Despite the bizarre, rather revolting ending and general tenor of the surprisingly humorless first Spider-Man movie two years ago, we headed to the midnight showing of Spider-Man 2 this morning, hopeful that the likely impassioned crowd would improve our viewing experience.

We definitely enjoyed this film more than the original, and if you liked Spider-Man you should love Spider-Man 2. However, only a couple of tertiary scenes impressed us, thanks to the presence of strong character actors in unnamed roles: "Snooty Usher" Bruce Campbell and "Elevator Passenger" Hal Sparks, as well as "Man Dodging Debris" Stan Lee. The light-hearted humor brought by Campbell and Sparks stood in stark contrast to the pedagogical philosophy that drowned much of the film in unredeemable sanctimony. Any issue of Brian Michael Bendis' "Ultimate Spider-Man" contains more wit, action, and meaning than this two-hour opus by the increasingly irrelevant Sam Raimi.

Aside from J.K. Simmons' customarily strong turn as J. Jonah Jameson, the only other bright spot here involved the development of James Franco's Harry Osborn into a viable villain for the next movie. While some readers might treat that news as a spoiler, the filmmakers could have skipped Doctor Octopus completely, going straight to the Peter vs. Harry battle without robbing the audience of anything.

Alfred Molina, who debuted in Raiders of the Lost Ark before truly catching my eye in Maverick, handles the Doc Ock role well despite suffering from the same fundamental problem as Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. None of the three actors look anything like any incarnation of their characters in thousands of pages of drawings. Peter Parker has a square head, Mary Jane is not a moon-faced waif, and Octavius' head generally appears as a slightly squashed circle, although at least Molina's acting partially compensates for an alternative look. While artists certainly exaggerate these features, we still cannot get past the complete incongruity of the two transparent leads, neither of whom adds any true substance to their characters other than a brooding pathos completely lacking from the Spider-Man mythos comic audiences know and love.

The Spider-Man comics, and even the cheesy Spider-Man cartoons, contain moments of extreme whimsy that ground the character in a light-hearted air that makes him accessible to "kids of all ages". Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created a nerdy teenager who allowed readers to identify with the outcast even before he gained superpowers. Then, instead of following the traditional superhero modus operandi, Peter Parker creates Spider-Man as an outgrowth of "WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY", yet Spidey rarely stops wise-cracking.

Rather than build on Parker's established joie de vivre, the foundation that allows him to exist as both a student-photojournalist-scientist-teacher and the eventual husband of Mary Jane, the Spider-Man movies rely on tired introspection to emphasize the tale's morality to a ridiculous extent, now even subsuming Aunt May's character beneath the psychobabble. Instead of encouraging heroic aspirations at least in the younger members of the audience, the filmmakers present a bleak portrait in which public service requires nearly complete sacrifice of self, equating cynicism with realism. These 20th century storytelling conventions cannot comprehend that Parker remains happy and fun-loving only due to the grounding provided by his strong support structure. Unfortunately, Maguire, Raimi, and everyone involved here completely fail to capture the traditional magic of Parker's personality, again leaving us with merely a soulless moneymaker rather than the truly inspiring Everyman we deserve.

While we love Doc Ock as a villain, Spider-Man 2 simply was an unnecessary film. If you cut the graveyard scene at the end of the last movie and then pick up with less then 10 minutes left in this installment, Spider-Man would have played as a vastly superior film and established a basis for a superb sequel. Instead, Sony, Columbia, and Marvel united to produce a mildly entertaining, utterly unambitious popcorn flick, that does not merit the honor of the Spider-Man title.