Weekly Fantasy Touts: July 24 - 30

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Fausto Carmona, P, Indians: The new closer in Cleveland, replacing the traded Bob Wickman (Atlanta). Carmona has top-shelf stuff and the Indians are a good team despite the record.

Javier Vazquez, P, White Sox: Rumored to be on the block for some relief help. He's been very unlucky on balls in play. Has three times as many Ks as BBs and gets two starts (Twins, Orioles).

Bench 'em

Alex Rios, OF, Blue Jays: His staff infection has proved a much greater setback than originally believed. He will not travel with the team on Monday, even though he's begun taking batting practice.

Jaret Wright, P, Yankees: He's been decent lately even though he can't get past about 90 pitches. But mixed-leaguers cannot risk a lone start this week in Texas, where the Rangers have always pounded Wright.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants: The rumored perjury indictment went bust for the government, which threatened to keep pressing the case with a new grand jury. Bonds responded with a long fly ball and homer right after word of the reprieve.

Ben Sheets, P, Brewers: Finally returns to the rotation, barring a last-minute setback (always a risk with Sheets). Set for two starts (Pirates, Reds). Forget the bad '06 ERA and focus on that 28/1 K/BB ratio.

Bench 'em

Luis Gonzales, OF, Diamondbacks: Mouthed off after getting benched against lefties. Hasn't done much this year against righties either and offers owners no speed and little power (seven homers).

Aaron Cook, P, Rockies: He's been very serviceable this year due to pinpoint control. But fortune is likely to turn this week in his one start, at Coors, vs. St. Louis (7.41 career ERA against).