Welcome to the last day of baseball before the All Star break. Technically it’s not the end of the 1^st half because that happened about a week ago, but this is how they like to split it and it makes them happy so I’ll let them have it. Looking at the standings, we can probably agree that this is what we all expected. Oh, wait….I have them upside down, except for the AL West which actually looks normal. Let’s see if we can find a few and send the 1^st half out on a good note.

A full glossary, explaining the chart columns in detail can be found here. Many stats in the chart were compiled using the fangraphs.com database. We’re now referencing Seamheads.com for Park Factors. Remember to check updated wind conditions and weather reports throughout the day. Feedback and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. What would you like to see in our DFB Starting Pitcher Analysis?

F.Hernandez: The King was cruising in his last start, but then hit a snag and allowed a bunch of singles in a row and ended up leaving the game after 5.1 IP with 4 ER’s. It’s not like he got hit all that hard and he still struck out 8 and didn’t walk anyone and has now struck out 38 and walked 3 over his last 4 starts. Interesting to note that Felix has the highest LD% (24.7) and therefor also BABIP (.328) of his career by far this year, but he also has the highest K% (25.4) and best K/BB 3.81 of his career as well, so it all works out the same. He hasn’t allowed a HR in 5 starts so I don’t see him starting in Oakland. Good Value

M.Estrada: In 2 starts since returning from injury, Estrada has struck out 18 of the 47 batters he’s faced. He has a tendency to allow some HR’s, but does a good job keeping runners off the bases otherwise as he doesn’t walk many and since Houston doesn’t have much power to fear, this would seem like a spot for him to shine. Top Value

J.Marquis: You know how this works. The Padres employ several pitchers who get beat up on the road, lowering their price tags for their home games. Here’s where it gets really interesting with Marquis though: he’s struck out at least 6 in 5 of his 6 starts with the Padres. He had a 0.86 K/BB with a 7.5 K% in Minnesota, but career highs 3.0 K/BB and 23.1 K% with San Diego. Where did that come from? He’s also gone at least 6 innings in every start in a San Diego uniform. The Cincy offense is a good bet against on the road against a RHP anyway. Petco just makes it even sweeter. Top Value

*Top Values for Sunday: Jason Marquis, Marco Estrada

Good Values: Felix Hernandez

Sleeper Alert: None

Top Draft Targets: Hernandez, Johnny Cueto, Max Scherzer, Jon Niese, Estrada

*Players are priced differently across sites. A top value on one site may not be so on another. All values are a consensus generalization.