As we near the mid-season point, the Top 100 RotoHog-a-holics continue to battle for position to stay in the money.  Remember to keep an eye on your innings pitched, and how many innings you have left at each position.  Don’t get stuck scrambling come September because you didn’t take the time to figure out how many innings you had left. This is going to be a very important step in you quest for the championship.

Another great tool now at your disposal is Sean’s Bargain Bin articles.  Sean’s giving you guys some sound pitching pickup advice each day, and really nailed the pitchers this week. Great job Sean!!!

You all have many resources here at RotoHog to help manage your team.  Make sure you take advantage of it.  Remember, you can always e-mail me at paul@rotohog.com if you’re trying to figure out who start or sit or just want to rant or rave about your team.

Here are this weeks 3 Up / 3 Down :

3 UP

David DeJesus – Kansas City Royals – Outfielder -  $5.04 : David DeJesus has been on fire over the last seven days.  With three homeruns, eight runs batted in, and batting .391, DeJesus, at $5 is a steal. This weekend the Royals welcome in the San Francisco Giants who’ll throw Matt Cain, Kevin Correia, and Tim Lincecum at the Royal. Combined over their last nine games, the Giants starters are 3-6 giving up 56 hits and have a weak 2/1 K/BB ratio.  DeJesus, if you’re looking for a bargain outfielder, is a great play this weekend.

Brandon Jones – Atlanta Braves – Outfielder - $3.77 : Brandon Jones has played in every game for the Atlanta Braves since getting called up from the minor leagues. Over those eight games Jones is batting .391 with one homerun and four RBI.  This weekend the last place Seattle Mariners will try to slow down the Jones and the Braves hitters.  Fortunately for the Braves, the Mariners have one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball (28th worst ranked ERA). Like DeJesus, Jones is a great option this weekend if you’re looking to save a few RotoHog bucks.

Brad Hawpe – Colorado Rockies – Outfielder – $13.46 : If you’ve missed out on reading the Rockie Times over the last two week, Brad Hawpe, the lesser known Rockie, has been leading the team offensively since June 6th.  During the 12 game span Hawpe is hitting .333 with five homeruns and 11 RBI. More importantly, he’s averaging 8.37 RotoHog points per game over that span.  This weekend he’s back home in the friendly confines of Coors Field, and we all know what that means, right?  There will be a run on Mets and Rockies players when the bell rings on Friday morning.

3 DOWN

Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays – Third Baseman - $11.30 : There is a catch phrase in the industry that I’d like to share with all of you, “A rookie is a rookie is a rookie.”  We all love when their hot, and most never hear when they’re cold.  Evan Longoria, I’m here to tell you is cold.  Over his last seven games Longoria has three hits (.130) and has struck out seven times over his last 23 at bats.  The young third baseman to me is a must sit this weekend against the Houston Astros.

David Murphy – Texas Rangers – Outfielder - $13.58 : Over the last week, David Murphy, the early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year, has had four games where he’s scored negative RotoHog points.  Over his last 14 games Murphy is hitting .209 (9-43) with a .217 on-base percentage (OBP).  Lets all say the Rookie Theme Song one more time, “A rookie is a rookie is a rookie.” – Thanks Lenny Melnick for allowing me to use that.

Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies – Second Baseman - $55.80 : There is nothing more appealing to me than a player who is over $50 and in his last 14 games is batting .191 with only one home run.  Well, Chase Utley is that guy.  Have you noticed or have you just looked at his gaudy  2008 Fantasy numbers?  With only nine hits in 47 at-bats, Utley has scored negative RotoHog points in his last five games.  For $55, I know I can spend that money elsewhere to help my team.  The question is, will you?

Good luck this weekend.  Remember, if you have any RotoHog personnel questions, feel free to contact me at paul@rotohog.com.