Two Start Pitchers May 16-22

Top 5 pitchers who might still be around in your league (owned in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues):

1. Jordan Zimmermann: PIT (Morton), @BAL (Britton)

Zimmermann, owned in 48% of Yahoo leagues is coming off three strong starts. Most recently, Zimmermann is coming off an 11 strikeout gem against the Braves. His other previous starts against the moonshot Marlins (led by future home run king Mike Stanton), and the San Francisco Giants, showed glimpses of the once hyped youngster who was meant to sit at the right hand of Strasburg. Zimmermann's favourable starts against Pittsburgh and Baltimore make him a very viable option in mixed-league formats.

2. Homer Bailey: CHC (Garza), @CLE (Carrasco)

Bailey, owned in 34% of Yahoo leagues has been utterly dominant in his first two starts this season. Mind you both starts were against Houston... so be wary. By season's end, Homer's ERA won't likely be anywhere near its current 0.69, but his early season success is certainly a sign of the tremendous potential of the young 26 year-old. Look for him to put up respectable numbers this week against offensively deprived Chicago and potentially Grady-less Cleveland. The Cincinnati Reds have a potent offense and will help the youngster accumulate wins.

3. Scott Baker: @SEA (Vargas), @ARI (Hudson) 

Scott Baker, 33% owned in Yahoo leagues, has given us very few reasons to trust him since breaking into the majors in 2005. Baker can dazzle with tremendous control of his curve and changeup, only to instantly implode. He is the supernova of the fantasy universe (or is that Ivan Nova?). Despite having little faith in Baker, I must admit if there were any week to start him, this would be it. Going into Seattle and Arizona just might mean two consistent starts. But who knows.

4. Ivan Nova: @TB (Shields), NYM (Niese)

Ivan Nova, the ground-ball specialist is currently owned in 8% of leagues. Nova, like Baker, lacks consistency. At just 24, the big Dominican is still working through growing pains. Nova has favorable match-ups against the Rays and the Mets. Nova won't get many K's, but every time he takes the mound he has a good shot at winning. Expect Nova to be owned in more than just 8% of leagues by week's end.

 

 5. Tim Stauffer: @ARI (Hudson), SEA (Vargas)

Stauffer, like Nova, is a ground-ball specialist. When his curve is going (especially at home in the roomy confines of PETCO), Stauffer has potential to sit down batter after batter. With eligibility as a relief pitcher, and owned in just 39% of leagues, Stauffer is worth a good look this week in many mixed leagues. 

Judge accordingly.

JW.