Weekly Fantasy Touts: April 17-23

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in
Dan Johnson, 1B, A's: Yes, he's in a miserable slump. But the law of averages says that he'll bust out soon. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with his approach thus far that some better luck on balls in play (or a couple of homers) won't cure.

Nate Robertson, P, Tigers: He's added a change this year and the strikeout totals have picked up to 2004 levels. This week, he gets two starts (Indians, Mariners).


Bench 'em

Brad Wilkerson (OF/1B, Rangers): Moved down to the bottom of the lineup. His homer total last year would have increased from 11 to only 14 had he played in Arlington.

Ted Lilly (SP, Blue Jays): Coming off a great start against the Red Sox, but do you want to double down against the Yankees in his one start this week? Lilly's not consistent enough to warrant such confidence.



NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Miguel Batista, P, Diamondbacks: An unexpected source of strikeouts thus far in 2006, Batista gets two starts this week (Dodgers and Giants).

Brad Hawpe, OF, Rockies: Is his early season homer tear for real? He's 27, plays in Colorado, and slugged 28 homers in 342 at bats in AAA in 2005. So, it probably pays to ignore his career .402 slugging percentage in the majors heading into '06.

Bench 'em

Tim Hudson, P, Braves: He has mediocre stuff and gets just one start this week at Shea against the Mets, who have as fearsome a middle of the lineup as any team in the NL.

Billy Hall, SS, Brewers: Hall has position eligibility all over and manager Ned Yost still says he's determined to get him at least 400 at bats in a super utility role. But he has to be benched in mixed leagues until an injury or slumping starter opens up a full-time spot.