NLCS

After two quick games the Phillies are half way to making an appearance in the World Series while the Dodgers, led by Manny, are left wondering what happened to their momentum while trying to see if they can make this series interesting.

The NLCS has a few players you should keep an eye on for the 2009 fantasy season draft.

Brad Lidge just converted his 2nd save in the NLCS and it seems like he will never give up a lead...ever! After recovering from injuries and also the Pujols HR, it seems Lidge is back on top of his game and is ready for elite closer status. Ok, he is up their with the best closers in the game but make sure you don't over play for him in the 2009 draft. He is having a career year and has the ability to hold down a bullpen but in my eyes he is still not in the same league as Papelbon, F-Rod, Joe Nathan, and Soria. If Lidge has a rediculous post-season watch for people to draft him higher than his true value.

Ryan Howard is not doing anything but walking back to the dug-out. He is batting a nice .000 in two games in the NLCS. Don't worry about him, he's s slugger and can easily go off for 5HR's in the next 2/3 games.

Chad Billingsley was hammered in game 2 of the NLCS but this is not going to affect his 2009 draft position, a 9-12 round pick. He should be your 2nd SP for next year.

Clayton Kershaw is throwing some post-season innings and I think this is great for his mental state and overall experience. This is a pitcher you need to keep an eye on. After exploding onto the scene this year and making a #1 waiver priority in ALL leagues, this guy is primed for a strong 2009 season. He has the stuff, just needs the confidence from himself and his team. He is a lock for a draft pick next year but make sure to draft him in the late rounds, watch people who draft him early because they are gambling.

Manny is being Manny.

Nice Pitchers

Dana Eveland of the A's just finished a complete game and allowed 1ER over 3H's. So far this season Eveland has impressed and with his line of 4-3, 62IP, 24BB, 44ER, and a 2.90ERA he should be on all rosters.

D. Cabrera of the Orioles with a line of 5-1, 3.48ERA, 41K's, and 24BB's is a great pick-up right now if he hasn't already been picked up in your league, go and grab him.

C. Billingsley of the Dodgers seems to have found his groove this season by going 4-5, 29BB's, 60K's, and a 3.76ERA. Owners, grab him ASAP.

B. Colon of the Red Sox is finally back on the mound. His first start of the season was impressive going 5 innings, 2ER's, 2BB's, and 4K's which earned him a win. If you are in need of help with your pitching stats, go out and take a chance with Colon. Even if he produces a 4.50ERA he will still add some wins with that powerhouse Red Sox lineup.

S. Ponson of the Rangers just pitched a complete game 6 hitter and only allowed 1ER. After all the problems he's had over the past 2-3 years, Ponson seems to have found a groove in 2008. Again, just like Colon, if you are in need of some help in your pitching stats, take a chance on Ponson. He's doing very well right now.

Billingsley

Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers is currently 2-5 this season but what most people don't see are the real numbers that count for fantasy owners. Billingsley is currently striking out 1.26 batters per inning (48K's through 38IP) and this shows that he has the stuff to get people out. The only problem is when balls are hit they seem to find the holes. The good thing is the hits are staying in the park, with only 2HR's allowed all year.

By looking deeper into the numbers you can see this pitcher is worth a spot on your team because eventually the balls hit into play are going to be hit at people instead of finding the holes. Try and grab this SP if you have room on your team. It should give you a nice boost to your pitching rotation.

High Hopes

Going into this season I had very high hopes for Matt Garza of the Rays and Chad Billingsley of the Dodgers. Looking at their stats so far this season show my high hopes were just high hopes.

Garza - 2GS, 8IP, 12H, 8ER, 5BB, 5K, and 2HR
Billingsley - 4.1IP, 8H, 5ER, 4BB, 3K, and 1HR

Upside doesn't always turn out to be top stats.

PS. High hopes was for them being your 4 starter.