Crunchtime

The Supporting Cast: Part 1

If you had a decent draft, chances are likely that you probably have three top tier pitchers and 2-4 closers on your squad. Yet, it's the other hurlers, who you choose to fill those extra slots in the rotation that make or break a season. When searching for those extra quality starts, it's crucial that you pick-up pitchers that can benefit your team and who won't hurt you too badly in the standings when they have a mediocre outing. I've compiled a list of some savvy veterans who will post respectable numbers and come cheap.

John Burkett- Has it really been nine years since he tossed that 22 win season back in '93? Once considered one of the rising stars of baseball, Burkett found himself getting torched nearly every outing, since being dealt from the Giants to the American League. Up until a year ago, this guy's career seemed all but dead, yet thanks to the Atlanta Braves pitching coach and a little friend called the cut-fastball, Burkett has once again found success. Burkett quietly posted an ERA under 3.20 last year along with 12 wins and 187 K's while being overshadowed by Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Now that he's in Beantown, Burkett has the high-powered Redsox offense to watch his back, and it's no surprise that he's off to a 5-1 start with an ERA under 3. Don't expect him to tail off either. With all the town's focus on Pedro and the upstart Derek Lowe, Burkett should be able to pitch free of pressure. You can bank on at least a 15-win season.

Kevin Appier- His story is similar to that of Burkett's, yet Appier never quite fell into oblivion. Once the ace of a solid Royals staff, he lost his winning edge and never really got back on track until this year. Once again Appier's pitches are jumping around the plate, and he's gotten back the velocity on his fastball and slider. Lately Anaheim has been red hot, and a 15-win season for Appier with around 170 strikeouts is a good possibility.

Woody Williams- Getting dealt from San Diego to St. Louis at the trading deadline last year was a godsend for his career. Williams became the Redbirds best pitcher down the stretch and was instrumental in their run to make the playoffs. Although his stuff won't dazzle you, he knows how to get people out. Williams will also post an above average ERA. Since he was injured at the start of the year, there's a good chance that he's still on your league's waiver wire. Now would be the perfect time to snag him and watch another 15-win season with an ERA around 3.60 unfold before your eyes.

Jeff D'Amico- Having been forced to fight off numerous injuries since the season of 1999 when he posted a 2.70 and 12 wins, D'Amico is once again healthy. With his pinpoint accuracy, you can expect an ERA around 3.00 with 12-15 wins for the Mets. D'Amico proved that his arm is at full strength by just recently pitching a complete game two-hit shutout. More is likely to follow as long as the 6'7 hurler stays injury free.

Well, if you missed out on your opportunity to add Mark Prior to your squad, I feel for you. Prior has all the tools to be an absolute monster on the mound. While he may endure his share of forgettable outings, Prior will stifle opposing batters for the next couple of starts before hitters get a chance to watch the tapes and study his pitches. Even then, he will be a force to be reckoned with and should post upper tier pitching numbers for the rest of the way. Though it would be wise to wait a month or so to make an offer on Prior because his current value is through the roof.

His credentials weren't even in Prior's league, but Aaron Harang of the Oakland Athletics quietly tossed an even better game than Prior in his debut last Saturday. He also posted 10 punch-outs not yielding a run on only three hits. Harang still isn't guaranteed a full time spot on the rotation, but with Cory Lidle on the DL look for him to take full advantage of this opportunity. Harang might be worth taking a gamble on and who knows, with all the pressure on Prior, might become this year's Roy Oswalt.

To be continued.