Joel Pineiro, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Status: Having career year in St. Louis
Basics: 13-9, 3.11 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 84 Ks in 170.2 IP
Key Stats: Leads MLB with 359 groundball outs
What to Watch For: Strong September finish
Other Notes: Has been particularly effective at home with a 6-4 record and 2.39 ERA … is a groundball pitcher who walks few hitters, so he maintains a solid WHIP and minimizes damage … is tied for eighth in the majors with 19 Quality Starts, a good measure for picking and choosing spot starters
Verdict: Be cautious for road starts, but add for all home outings

Joe Blanton, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Status: Having a strong 2nd half
Basics: 8-6, 3.88 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 124 Ks in 153.0 IP
Key Stats: 6-3 with a 2.57 ERA in last 16 starts
What to Watch For: More decisions - has 7 NDs in last 14 starts
Other Notes: Has gotten progressively better throughout the season … numbers are still suffering because of rocky start … has lowered ERA more than three full runs (from 7.11 to 3.88) since May 21 … is equally effective at home (5-3, 3.98 ERA) and away (3-3, 3.76) … offers a good mix of win probability, decent K rate and hot streak
Verdict: Add, expect quality starts, hope for wins

John Smoltz, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals
Status: Finding old, dominant form in St. Louis
Basics: 3-5, 6.71 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 48 Ks in 51.0 IP
Key Stats: Is 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA in 2 NL starts
What to Watch For: Continued effectiveness
Other Notes: Needed a change of scenery, perhaps a return to the National League, to get back to form … immediately jumps into NL pennant race for one of the league’s best teams … has great value down the stretch because of lengthy track record, good strikeout rate and high win probability … rough stretch with Boston is a thing of the past
Verdict: Add and give him a permanent roster spot in all formats