N.L. Imports: September Edition

Jose Contreras
I never know what to make of Contreras from start-to-start, and now NL Fantasy BB has charged me with the impossible task of figuring out what Contreras is going to do in Colorado. He had a horrible August and as a result I wouldn't be inclined to bet on him in September, but Contreras is one of the streakiest starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, and could very well put up a 3 spot down the stretch for the Rox for all I know. There are a number of peripheral numbers in his favor (subpar LOB%, very low LB%, high GB%) that mean he could actually do well in Colorado. However, Contreras isn't moving from the A.L. East to a weaker division; the A.L. Central is possibly the weakest division in the A.L., so this is a case where moving to the weaker league might not provide the boost you may be hoping for. I'd play this game if you're desperate while recognizing that it's not a strong play.

Brad Penny
Ray Flowers of Rototimes offers a somewhat positive view of Penny at his blog, and suggests that Penny's low walk rate, good velocity, and the move to the N.L. can help him. I agree on the move to the N.L., but I see a pitcher here who throws too many pitches per batter and typically doesn't get through the sixth inning. He's all but abandoned his change this year, and doesn't have the kind of blistering heat and movement that Curt Schilling or Kevin Brown had in their primes to get away with this consistently...even in the weaker National League. Penny is a better play than Contreras if only for the wins, but I wouldn't be surprised if his N.L. numbers were a lot closer to his A.L. numbers than people are hoping.

Jim Thome
Thome will probably serve as a pinch hitter and nothing more. I could see him getting a start or two at 1B when and if the Dodgers clinch the division, but Thome's value looks like it's going to be extremely limited this month.