Fantasy: Try to deal your young stud starters

Dominant pitching has been the story of the first half. It has been quite some time since fantasy team ERAs have been this low and many young pitchers have put up gaudy numbers. But as the innings pile up, teams take a more cautious approach with young arms and often skip starts. It's not as detrimental in roto leagues, but if you're in a head-to-head league, it could be damaging, especially in the playoffs, which are often in September for most leagues. That's why it could be a good idea to trade some of these guys now because they may not even contribute when needed most.

Mat Latos (Padres): Funny timing here as Latos goes to the disabled list with a strain to his left side trying to hold back a sneeze. It better be true because even the worst imagination can come up with a better excuse. The Padres plan on limiting Latos' innings, anyway. Latos, 22, has thrown 1062/3 innings after throwing a total of 123 innings last season.

Jaime Garcia (Cardinals): Garcia threw just 372/3 innings in the minors last season and has already pitched 103 innings. It may be starting to catch up. He hasn't pitched more than 31/3 innings in two of his last four starts.

Phil Hughes (Yankees): In his last five starts before the All-Star break, Hughes had a 5.74 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. Hughes had a start skipped last month and after not pitching for 10 days, he gave up 11 runs in his next 112/3 innings. Hughes threw a total of 1051/3 innings last season and is already at 101 innings.

Kris Medlen (Braves): Medlen pitched in relief Friday and will go 17 days between starts. Medlen threw a total of 1052/3 innings last season and is currently at 891/3 innings. It's just another reason not to rely on too many young arms. Starts will be skipped and we've already seen it have a negative impact.

Pickups

Chris Perez (Indians): If you were looking ahead, you might already own Perez since a Kerry Wood trade has been rumored for quite some time. Now that Wood is on the disabled list with a blister, Perez will close again. Perez has a 2.55 ERA, but he hasn't pitched that well. He has a 4.72 BB/9 and a 48.4 fly ball percentage. Still, if you are in need of saves, Perez will get the opportunities and could have the job the rest of the season.

Jim Thome (Twins): Even before the Justin Morneau injury, Thome was getting consistent at-bats. He has 10 home runs in 152 at-bats and a .380 on-base percentage.

Brett Myers (Astros): Myers has pitched at least six innings in all of his 19 starts. He is 7-6 with a 3.35 ERA and a 93/39 K/BB ratio in 129 innings. A trade could boost his value.

Randy Wells (Cubs): The strikeouts are up and the walks are down. He has allowed 21 hits, five earned runs, walked eight and struck out 23 in his last 272/3 innings.