A "Complete Game Shutout" No Decision, Dice-K Rebounds, and Forgotten Closers Making Waves

James Shields: 9 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K. That statline means a win, right? Wrong. Unfortunately for us Shields owners, he hurled 9 shutout innings to get a ND as Erik Bedard, Dannys Baez, and Chris Ray matched his goose eggs with goose eggs of their own. Shields continues his strong pitching and is well worth using in all appearances but those against elite offenses.

Erik Bedard: Shields' nemesis last night produced 7 shutout innings of 10 K baseball. I hope you bought low on him, because his last two outings show that he's turned it around.

Dice-K Matsuzaka: I read this morning that the Red Sox adjusted his throwing schedule to allow him to throw more in between starts. Japanese baseball teams have their pitchers throw a lot more, and due to Matsuzaka becoming used to that schedule from pitching in the Japanese major leagues since he was 18 years old, Boston felt he was too strong during his starts. Let's hope this shift in routine helps Dice-K get out of his slump, because he looked much better last night. He never had control problems in Japan, but for some reason he's walked 18 in 45 IP over here. I imagine he'll get past this.

Lyle Overbay: 2 HRs last night, and he's hitting almost .300 this month. After a slow start, he's worth adding if you're hamstrung by injuries to your offense, or if you use multiple UTIL or CI spots. His 2006 season was nice, and he has the talent to replicate it.

Rafael Soriano: He's received the last several save chances, so it appears that he's the favorite for saves after all. I think it's moreso the fact more righties are due up in the 9th since Gonzalez has worked the 9th before with tough lefties up. While it's technically a committee, the makeup of most lineups makes Soriano the favorite.

Brad Lidge: I know just his name alone produces gag reflexes and violent outbursts, but hear me out. He's allowed one run in his last 10 appearances, totalling 15 Ks and only 2 BBs. He's clearly turned himself around, and given there's probably no closers on your waiver wire, all Dan Wheeler owners should go pick Lidge up. He's proving to have plenty of value in the 8th inning role with good ratios, a high K rate, and he's got 2 wins as well. He even might get a save chance if Wheeler needs a night off. You never know when Phil Garner might get crazy and put him back in as the closer.

Derrick Turnbow: Brad Lidge's little brother (in fantasy baseball terms). He lost his job to Francisco Cordero, but he too has turned himself around posting a 1.76 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 23 Ks in 15 IP. Given the way Francisco Cordero has been used (6 straight appearances as of last night, which is borderline abuse for a closer), and also given that he's had shoulder issues in the past, all Cordero owners should pick Turnbow up if he's not already owned. Just like Lidge, he's an elite setup man right now and he'll help even if he's not producing saves. You never know when Cordero's shoulder might act up again.

Speaking moreso in terms of 5x5 rotisserie leagues, it's very helpful to own the good setup men, especially if you have the one that sets up your closer(s). The good ones post solid K rates and solid ratios, so while they only give you a few vulture wins and get a couple saves if the closer needs a night off, they keep your ratios down and allow you some versatility with who your starting pitchers are. Plus, you don't need to rush to the waiver wire if your closer needs a DL stint. Something to definitely keep in mind and employ. I used Scot Shields and Jonathan Broxton last year, and they gave me a handful of Ws and SVs, great ratios, and lots of Ks.