Weekly Fantasy Touts: April 24-May 1

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in
Alexis Rios, OF, Blue Jays: Manager John Gibbons took the first step last week in abandoning the platoon with Eric Hinkse. That's what five bombs and 14 ribbies in your first 40 at bats will do.

Kenny Rogers, P, Tigers: He gets no respect in mixed leagues, but Rogers is a professional pitcher in a favorable home park who you can spot during weeks like this when he gets two starts (at Angels, Twins).


Bench 'em

Adrian Beltre, 3B, Mariners: We advocated Dan Johnson during his historic slump, so why not Beltre? Adrian has a bigger body of work that makes him more clearly appear to be a one-year wonder. His five steals are a fluke and he got his first extra-base hit only last week.

Scott Kazmir, P, Devil Rays: Kazmir isn't yet among the handful of starters you roll out there when his one start in the week is at the Yankees. He has pitched well against them, but better safe than sorry.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Aaron Harang, P, Reds: He hasn't paid dividends yet, but the K/BB ratio remains solid, so we're still bullish. Gets two starts this week (at Nationals and Astros).

Todd Walker, 2B, Cubs: Will play first base, too, with Derrek Lee out eight weeks. Walker's bat made him deserving of full-time at bats even before Lee's injury.

Bench 'em

Odalis Perez, P, Dodgers: He' allowed just one homer in his first 15 innings. But the lefty gets one start this week in the most homer-friendly park in baseball for righties: Houston's Minute Maid.

Mike Piazza, C, Padres: It's sad how Piazza's skills have declined. But a late-career hitting surge at catcher is usually limited to guys who didn't toil much in their prime. The Padres are home all week, too, in cavernous Petco.