• Tonight will be a great test to see how much progress Daniel Cabrera has made since returning to the majors after banishment to Triple-A last month. He’s surrendered just 10 hits over 16 shutout innings in his past two starts and, most importantly, his command has been impeccable with 17 Ks against just five walks. Of course, those were home starts against the Jays and the Rays. Tonight, he gets to pitch in the American League’s answer to the Great American Ballpark — Ameriquest Field in Texas. Cabrera actually had a great outing there earlier this year (seven innings, six hits, one run, two walks, six Ks), but prior to that, he had a 9.64 ERA in two starts in Texas. I think after tonight, we’ll have a real good idea of how valuable Cabrera will be in mixed leagues down the stretch.
• Owners of Kevin Millwood will be pleased to know that he’s finally looking like a decent play at home. After tossing an eight-hitter against the Orioles on Tuesday, Millwood now has two quality starts in a row at Ameriquest, rare footage for him, indeed. He’s managed to improve him home totals to 5-6, 5.79 (compared to 8-3, 3.64 on the road). On Sunday, however, he gets the Indians in Texas, and the Tribe is playing great ball now with an offense capable of hurting anyone.

Well, Cabrera was rancid and had to be demoted 10 days ago. Bedard also struggled at the outset, and his ERA was pretty unsightly (almost 6.00) after getting shelled in a June 1 start. Since then, however, the young Canadian southpaw has been among the top pitchers in all of baseball. In nine starts covering 60 IP, Bedard has given up just 40 hits and 16 walks while striking out 65 and recording a 1.95 ERA. He’s gone 7-1 over that stretch (including winning his past seven starts) and suddenly has a dozen wins, doubling his previous career best, and ranking fourth in the American League. Overall, Bedard has now lowered his ERA to 3.94 and looks to be one of the best bets for the second half, but his recent streak has rendered him unavailable in basically any kind of league. more