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Around the diamond

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Wondering who has the most favorable matchups this week? How about the most unfavorable? Each Monday, we'll take a look at every position on the field and give you a guy who looks to be in line for big-time numbers, as well as a guy who could be in line for big-time disappointment.

Note: All stats, unless otherwise noted, run through Saturday's games.

Make sure you play ... Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

The Giants may have stumbled onto something here. Sandoval wasn't really regarded as much of a prospect before this year, but he has exploded, hitting a combined .350 with 20 homers and 96 RBIs between Single- and Double-A. He's continued to hit following his recall, batting .429 in 28 at-bats.

Honorable mention: Chris Snyder, Arizona Diamondbacks (.321-4-11 over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Jeff Mathis, L.A. Angels

Mathis has given owners some decent production at times this year, but he's fallen on hard times of late, batting .116 this month. He's also now sharing the position with Mike Napoli.

Honorable mention: Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay Rays (.197 BA this month)

Make sure you play ... Ryan Garko, Cleveland Indians

Garko has been a big disappointment this year, but he's apparently trying to make up for lost time, with a .377 average and 17 RBIs over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Ross Gload, Kansas City Royals (.358 BA this month)

Don't expect much from ... Casey Kotchman, Atlanta Braves

Kotchman has hit just .157 since arriving in Atlanta. Complicating matters is that he's currently on the bereavement list while attending to his ill mother, and it's not clear when he'll return.

Honorable mention: Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals (.170, 0 HR over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Mark DeRosa, Chicago Cubs

DeRosa has been one of the most underrated options at second this year, and the fact that he's eligible at third and in the outfield as well is just gravy. He's hitting .372-5-13 over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians (.356, 2 SB over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Howie Kendrick, L.A. Angels

Kendrick provides most of his value with his batting average. Well, he's batting only .188 with no RBIs over the last two weeks, so his owners haven't been getting much out of Howie of late.

Honorable mention: Damion Easley, New York Mets (.189 BA this month)

Make sure you play ... Edgar Renteria, Detroit Tigers

Renteria has struggled this year in his move back to the American League, but he's given his owners some solace of late, hitting .333 with two homers, seven RBI and a steal over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Nick Punto, Minnesota Twins (.328, 2 SB over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Nomar Garciaparra, L.A. Dodgers

Nomar is back to his natural position at shortstop, but unfortunately he's been unable to go back to his superb hitting. Mr. Mia Hamm is hitting just .158 since returning from his latest stint on the DL.

Honorable mention: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies (.196 over the last two weeks; 3 games @ SF, 3 games @SD)

Make sure you play ... Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies

It's looking like Todd Helton won't return this year, which means Stewart will continue to man third base while Garrett Atkins holds down first. Stewart is taking advantage of his opportunity, hitting .362-3-15 over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Greg Dobbs, Philadelphia Phillies (.379-2-9 over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Brian Buscher, Minnesota Twins

Buscher has had a nice year, but don't expect him to help out your squad this week. The Twins face six lefties this week, and Buscher as just three hits in 30 at-bats against southpaws this season.

Honorable mention: Bill Hall, Milwaukee Brewers (.111, 0 HR over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays will head to Tampa and New York this week, and Lind has a .930 OPS away from home this year. He also has an .878 OPS against right-handers, of which the Jays will face five of on their road trip.

Honorable mention: Willy Taveras, Colorado Rockies (.391, 10 SB over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Jim Edmonds, Chicago Cubs

Edmonds has provided the Cubbies with a lift since arriving on the north side, but he's really been scuffling of late with a .080 average over the last two weeks. Reed Johnson is hitting .433 over the same span and the Cubs face three lefties this week, so expect Edmonds to ride the pine.

Honorable mention: Carlos Gonzalez, Oakland A's (.100 over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Gil Meche, Kansas City Royals

You should completely disregard Meche's mediocre numbers, because since a horrid April he's been absolutely fantastic. I like him to keep it going against the Rangers and Tigers.

Honorable mention: Ted Lilly, Chicago Cubs (3.15 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in seven starts since the break)

Don't expect much from ... Scott Olsen, Florida Marlins

Olsen was very good in the first half, but he's fallen off drastically after the break with a 5.09 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in the second half.

Honorable mention: Greg Smith, Oakland A's (1.52 WHIP over his last four starts; @ LAA, vs. MIN)