Achievers/Bums - 07/18/08

ACHIEVERS

Nomar Garciaparra – 1B/3B/SS – Los Angeles Dodgers – 3/5, 2 HR 3 RBI – Mr. Hamm had a great offensive night in a big game against the D-backs. He played SS and batted fifth for Joe Torre's squad and is probably worth a pickup due to his multi-position eligibility. Obviously, he's a huge health risk, so don't get too excited.

CC Sabathia – SP – Milwakee Brewers – Win, 9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K's – Boy, has Sabathia been just what the Brewers were hoping for, or what? He's 3-0 as a Brewer with two complete games. If you were able to get Sabathia earlier in the season when he was struggling, pat yourself on the back and enjoy watch the big fella the rest of the season.

Bronson Arroyo – OF – Cincinnati Reds – Win, 8.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's – I've been pretty hard on Bronson lately (he deserved it), but he's quietly been a pretty effective pitcher over his last few starts with four wins in a row.

BUMS

Clay Buchholz – SP – Boston Red Sox – Loss, 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's – Boston's defense was terrible last night, but Buchholz gave this one away early. He'll have every opportunity to succeed in Boston's rotation, but he hasn't shown much lately.

Zack Greinke – SP – Kansas City Royals – Loss, 3 IP, 11 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 2 K's – This is the second time this year that the White Sox have rocked Greinke. He's 0-6 lifetime now at U.S. cellular and last night he got crushed.

Jacob Ellsbury – OF – Boston Red Sox – 0/4, K – Ellsbury has been terrible over the last month, batting .232 with 15 K's and only four walks. You want worse news? He is only stolen one base out of four attempts in the same time span. That said, if you've found an owner who has give up one him, I'd buy low. He's going to bat lead-off for the Sox for a long time and his numbers will absolutely bounce back.