Around the diamond

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 ... A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox

The Sox are at home for seven this week and face all right-handed pitching. That's good for Pierzynski, who has eight of his 12 homers against righties and is batting .307 at U.S. Cellular.

Honorable mention: Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies (.333 BA, .942 OPS over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Chris Snyder, Arizona Diamondbacks

Snyder has been fighting it of late, as the backstop is hitting a measly .080 over the last two weeks. The D'backs will face just one lefty this week.

Honorable mention: Kenji Johjima, Seattle Mariners (.179 over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox

Konerko has seemed to snap out of his season-long slump recently, as he's batted .349 since August 1. He's been quite good at home this year (.935 OPS), which is where the Sox will be all week.

Honorable mention: Lyle Overbay, Toronto Blue Jays (.333-4-12 over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Hank Blalock, Texas Rangers

Blalock is batting .333 so far this month, but keep your expectations for him low this week. The Rangers will face five lefties, and Hank holds a career .228 average against southpaws.

Honorable mention: Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks (.224 BA since Aug. 1)

Make sure you play ... Felipe Lopez, St. Louis Cardinals

Felipe has found his batting stroke since landing in St. Louis, hitting .370 with his new team, including a .444 mark over the last two weeks. He is also eligible at shortstop and the outfield in most leagues.

Honorable mention: Luis Rodriguez, San Diego Padres (.339, seven RBI, 1 SB over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Sean Rodriguez, L.A. Angels

Rodriguez has been a regular since Howie Kendrick's injury, but his production at the plate has been lacking, as he's hitting just .176 on the year. He had a terrific year at Triple-A, so there is potential here, but Rodriguez shouldn't be trusted down the stretch.

Honorable mention: Luis Castillo, New York Mets (.208 BA over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Angel Berroa, L.A. Dodgers

Berroa has suddenly rediscovered his Rookie of the Year form lately, hitting .387 over the last two weeks. His hot streak probably won't last, but go ahead and give him a shot for one more week.

Honorable mention: Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays (.381-1-5 over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Bobby Crosby, Oakland A's

Crosby has been able to stay healthy this year, but that hasn't translated into fantasy production. He's been particularly poor of late, batting just .213 over the last two weeks. Oakland is in two pitcher's parks this week, first going to Detroit before coming back home.

Honorable mention: Cesar Izturis, St. Louis Cardinals (.182, 0 RBI over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Casey Blake, L.A. Dodgers

The Dodgers play four this week against left-handers, and Blake has batted .305 with an .863 OPS against southpaws this season. Blake will also get to play three in Colorado, where he was 5-for-11 with a home run in a series earlier this year.

Honorable mention: Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners (.418-4-9 over the last two weeks)

Don't expect much from ... Troy Glaus, St. Louis Cardinals

Glaus is a guy who will go through his hot and cold streaks, and he shouldn't be in your lineup during those cold spells. Unfortunately, he's in the midst of one now, as he's hit only .196 over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Scott Rolen, Toronto Blue Jays (.208 BA over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Chris Dickerson, Cincinnati Reds

Dickerson has been quite a find for those that snatched him up off the waiver wire, as he's batted .314-6-13 with five steals in 22 games. He's dealt with a sore ankle recently but should be good to go this week.

Honorable mention: Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins (.830 OPS against righties this year)

Don't expect much from ... Eric Hinkse, Tampa Bay Rays

Hinske has given the Rays some surprising production at times this year, but he hasn't been doing a lick for the Rays or fantasy owners of late, hitting only .156 over the last two weeks.

Honorable mention: Wladimir Balentien, Seattle Mariners (.172 BA, 10 strikeouts, 0 walks over the last two weeks)

Make sure you play ... Oliver Perez, New York Mets

Perez sports a 2.92 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 10 starts since the All-Star break, and he has two cake matchups this week, facing the Nationals and Braves at home.

Honorable mention: Randy Wolf, Houston Astros (1 ER over his last two starts, including a complete game shutout the last time out)

Don't expect much from ... Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds

Volquez has officially hit the proverbial wall. He holds a 6.38 ERA over his last three starts and has two tough matchups this week against the Brewers and D'backs.

Honorable mention: Edwin Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays (@ BOS, @ NYY)