Spot Jobs gambles by picking five spot starters for the week and five usual starters to avoid. The success rate is usually around 50%, but the risk level is always through the roof. Obviously, though, you always start Brandon Webb (when healthy) and sit Dave Bush.Five Up
Josh Johnson, Marlins, @SD -- It's been a long time since Johnson pitched in the majors. He will again this week, though. Back in 2006 Johnson compiled a 3.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP to go with his 12-7 record. He also punched out 133 hitters in 157 innings. This week he gets to re-join his Marlins teammates in the pitcher's paradise that is Dodger Stadium.
Justin Verlander, Tigers, vs. Tribe -- He's been a colossal disappointment this year, but he's starting to turn the corner just as the offense has awakened ... and the Indians can't hit.
Jeremy Guthrie, O's, @ Toronto -- He's maddeningly inconsistent, but is dazzling when he's on, which means you have to play matchups. The Jays are towards the bottom in most AL offensive categories, so this one fits the bill.
Jo-Jo Reyes, Braves, @ SD -- Talented, young pitcher looking for his way? Enter spacious Petco Park and the Padres putrid offense (Adrian Gozalez excepted, obviously).
Sean Marshall, Cubs, vs. Giants -- Cubs like to play at home. Giants hit .265 on the road. Marshall just dealt against the Cards on the road. All signs point to "yes" here.
Five Down
Erik Bedard, M's, @ A's -- There are grumblings he's not healthy. If you have a studly staff you can afford to sit him while it gets sorted out. This is only in shallow leagues with other very solid options, though. I wouldn't sit him in favor of Sean Marshall, for example.
Kevin Slowey, Twins, @ DET -- Four straight wins will garner anyone's attention, but he got knocked around a bit by the Indians last time out and this time it's the hot-hitting Tigers.
Armando Galarraga, Tigers, vs. Minny -- By the same token, the Twins can hit, too ...
Braden Looper, Cards, @ Philly -- He's not good enough to keep winning games like this, and heading to the City of Brotherly Love and facing the prodigious Philly batting order isn't fun for anyone.
Randy Johnson, DBacks, @ Philly -- Seriously, the Padres offense sucks. Shutting them down doesn't mean he's still good. He's done, stop starting him.
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