Billy Buckner - If Arizona continues to show patience with Buckner, backing the right-hander should pay dividends. Yes, his overall numbers -- most notably a 7.15 ERA -- are ugly. However, his 33 strikeouts against just 14 walks in 39 frames this season speaks of just how close the youngster is to breaking out. The former Kansas City prospect deals a low-90’s sinking fastball, solid curve and quickly improving change-up. No question, the stuff is there for Buckner, but trusting it seems to be an issue. And like a lot of young arms, holding it together when times get tough can be an issue. But overall, he has the makeup to success and in the times I’ve watched him throw, I’ve been visually impressed. The change-up is going to be a real key in his development and the more he throws it, the better he will become. With a poor ERA on a bad team, value won’t be a problem so look for favorable matchups in which to get behind this stud in the making.

Bronson Arroyo – Arroyo will make an interesting case study moving forward over the final months of the season. He’s suffering from a sort of carpel tunnel syndrome in his right hand. Being very much a feel pitcher, when this flares up the right-hander will simply struggle. Arroyo did take a cortisone shot for the situation at the start of the season, but expect this to wear off eventually. Arroyo certainly doesn’t overwhelm the opposition at this point, relying on smarts, moxie and location. Adding to the expected value of fading Arroyo is a weak slate of opposing batters and favorable matchups of late. He’s faced the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, St. Louis, Houston and San Diego Padres. Those are not only some weak hitting teams but lineups that are notably heavy from the right side of the plate. This success comes into play when analyzing Arroyo’s career splits. Over the last three years, right-handed hitters have slugged .383 against him, while left-handed bats are at a robust .500. No reason to believe Arroyo’s recent success is going to continue.

Carlos Zambrano – No matter how you analyze Carlos Zambrano -- visually or statistically -- I am not buying into his 3.44 ERA. Thanks to a strong four-game swing some may feel he is back to being dominant. However, the enigmatic Zambrano has a suspect 59-to-31 K-to-BB ratio on the year. In fact, over his last four outings the ratio is only 19-to-13. He’s had some favorable matchups with the White Sox, Astros, Reds and Padres offering little trouble from the left-handed side of the batter’s box. In visually watching him, it’s abundantly clear he just hasn’t faced enough pressure from the opposition. Keep in mind Zambrano still has a questionable shoulder. Last season down the stretch, the right-hander dealt a whopping 7.93 ERA over his last eight outings, while a cortisone shot didn’t help the matter. Expect a real downturn from Zambrano upcoming, while featuring some juicy go-against prices.