Two to Grab: April 11

Each week I'll try to give you two fantasy players who deserve pick-up consideration in standard mixed leagues. This week's Two to Grab are Minnesota's Nick Blackburn and Oakland's Dana Eveland.

Nick Blackburn
Drafted in the 29th round in 2001, Nick Blackburn enters this season as Minnesota's fifth starter. With Francisco Liriano on a rehab assignment in AAA, Blackburn's rotation slot may be short-lived, depending on the severity of Kevin Slowey's injured biceps. For the time-being however, Blackburn is an interesting option as a FA in most leagues. So far this season, he's 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 2 starts and sports 11 K's versus only three walks. Blackburn is a control-type pitcher who typically tops out in the low 90's with his fastball. His repertoire includes five pitches which he can throw for strikes in any situation. He uses a curveball, slider and a changeup to compliment his two and four-seam fastballs to make them seem a few mph faster than they are. What's particularly interesting about Blackburn is that in his two starts so far this season, he's gotten stronger as the games have progressed. In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Blackburn stated: "My pitches usually get a little bit better as my legs wear down. I get better break on the ball. I'm always fine in the late innings." This is a common theme with breaking-ball pitchers. Often times their best starts will be on three days rest instead of the typical four or five days, as their bodies have not had as much time to recuperate. This often allows them to get more snap on their deliveries and makes their breaking pitches more effective.
As of now, Blackburn is scheduled to pitch on Sunday versus Kansas City. He may be a good pick-up if you're seeking a final-day boost in your win, K's, ERA or WHIP numbers in head-to-head leagues. It's uncertain how long he will remain in the rotation with Liriano set to return soon, but if Slowey misses any extended period of time, or proves ineffective early this season, you can be sure that Blackburn will be the first name called to take his rotation spot. And if his string of great starts continue, Kevin Slowey might find himself dueling for a rotation spot when he returns.

Dana Eveland
After yesterday's performance against the Blue Jays it's entirely possible that Dana Eveland is no longer an available free agent in your league. After all, Eveland has only given up one earned run in 13.1 innings, over two starts this season. He's struck out 13 and only walked four. Acquired by Oakland in the Dan Haren deal, Eveland will likely prove to be the biggest piece of that trade. He currently occupies Oakland's second spot in the rotation behind Joe Blanton. His pitching arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball, a curveball, slider and a changeup.
One of the biggest reasons for picking up Eveland may be Billy Beane. Beane, Oakland's GM, has a knack for recognizing great young pitchers before they break out and trading for them. Dan Haren was one of these pitchers. He was acquired from St. Louis in the Mark Mulder deal along with Kiko Calero and Daric Barton (a first base prospect who is due to break out any time now). Eveland's 0.68 ERA has probably inspired a lot of casual fantasy players to pick him up, however he's not going to maintain that mark all season long. He's bound to hit a bump or two in his next few starts, and that may make him available once again. If that happens, grab him. You won't regret it.

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