Weekly Fantasy Touts: August 6 - 12

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Javy Lopez, C, Red Sox: He's not likely to hit much better than the injured Jason Varitek (knee surgery), but anyone can get hot for two months and he's in a great lineup.

Cory Lidle, P, Yankees: Gets two starts this week after a stellar debut in 120 degrees of heat index. Everything is seeming to roll the Yankees way right now, so get on board the bandwagon where you can.

Bench 'em

Matt Garza, P, Twins: The Twins are letting him rot in Rochester in favor of minor-league journeyman Mike Smith. They should look towards the Tigers and push young talent more quickly into prominent roles.

Hank Blalock, 3B, Rangers: Another second-half fold for Stammerin' Hank (sub-.300 slugging percentage since the All-Star break).

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Matt Murton, OF, Cubs: The power numbers are disappointing, but the at bats should come furiously now that the Cubs are in 2007-mode. Coming off a streak of 15 ribbies in 16 games.

Byung-Hyun Kim, P, Rockies: Coors has mysteriously become the league's best pitcher's park. Kim is on the road this week, but gets two starts and has fired gems his last two outings.

Bench 'em

Jeff Kent, 2B, Dodgers: The oblique strain isn't getting better. Where does he play when he returns, given the acquisition of Julio Lugo, a far superior defender and arguably a better offensive force now, too?

Bronson Arroyo, P, Reds: His last outing was on three-day's rest. That's not going to reverse the poor trend-line of late, as he's quickly regressed to his Red Sox form.