As week five comes to a close, it is time to look at the five, “winners” and “losers” of the week.
First we will start with the five worst performances of the week.

5. Seth Smith  Outfielder, Oakland Athletics

This man tallied the highest strikeout total of any batter in baseball this week at an unimpressive 13. His batting average was not much better either as he recorded a .188. The one bright spot in an otherwise dark week is that he drove in six runs and managed to hit one ball out of the park. His OBP was also awful at, .235. If Smith wants to continue getting every day playing time he is going to need to improve a lot.

4. Ross Detwiler  Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals

You could say that Detwiler had a rough couple of starts. In his past two starts he recorded two losses and an ERA of 5.40. This translates to a high opponent batting average of .378. He got through ten innings in his two combined starts and gave up two home runs while doing so. The Nationals have been playing a little bit better as of late but haven’t performed great when Detwiler is on the bump.

3. Dan Uggla  Second Basemen, Atlanta Braves

This strikeout machine continues to fail to make contact on the ball. Uggla really hasn’t been the same since he was trade to the Braves. This week he has struck out 11 times, while only hitting one home run. His batting average is pitiful over the past week as well. He is batting .192 which is unacceptable for a “All Star” second basemen. If you have Uggla on your fantasy team it might be time to put him on the bench for awhile. He could come around at any point but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen soon.

2. Josh Hamilton  Outfielder, Los Angeles Angels

Considering how much money the Angles are giving Hamilton, you would kinda expect him to perform a little bit better. In the past week he has recorded only five hits, with ten strikeouts and a .156 batting average. The worst part of all of this is that he has had 32-at-bats this week, yet could only muster up five hits! I warned folks of drafting this guy and I continue to be correct, in this case.

1. Joe Mauer  Catcher, Minnesota Twins

It seems like just yesterday that Mauer was the poster boy of baseball. Now? Well, not all year but his week five was the farthest thing from impressive. Here it is... Are you ready? In Mauer’s last 21-at-bats he has only recorded TWO HITS! Yes, you read that correctly. You could say he is in a slump. This translates to a .095 batting average, which I am sure Mauer is not happy about. Don’t go doing anything crazy here and dropping him but be cautious

And now, the top five performances of week five.

5. Miguel Cabrera  Third Basemen, Detroit Tigers

The man who can do no wrong is at it again. The best hitter in all of baseball had an awesome week five. Two home runs and nine RBIs is what Cabrera managed to do in his last seven games, along with three doubles and only three strikeouts. Detroit is on a roll right now, winning eight of their last ten games. This is a no brainer but continue to keep Cabrera in your lineup.

4. Russell Martin  Catcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

The most random dominating hitter has to go to Martin. He led the league in home runs this week with four and has helped the Pirates keep the ship afloat. He is now the everyday starting catcher for the time being. If you need a catcher in your league try and pick up Martin if he hasn’t already been picked up. If you do have him on your team already, continue to start him.

3. A.J. Burnett  Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

It was the Pirates week for fantasy, that’s for sure. Burnett had another two impressive starts, racking up two wins in the process. His ERA over these two games was a 2.08 and he struck out 15 over this span. He has been pitching a lot better than most people expected as his age is starting to creep up on him. Continue to start Burnett until things get rocky, he is a solid starter for the time being.

2. Ian Kinsler  Second Basemen, Texas Rangers

Apparently the Rangers didn’t get the memo that they are not supposed to win this division. Kinsler is playing like the best second basemen in baseball and definitely played like the best in week five. In his past 26-at-bats, he recorded 12 hits. Of those 12 hits, five of them were doubles and managed five RBIs as well. His batting average is at .462 for the week and should obviously be in your starting lineup for the immediate future.

1. Carlos Gomez  Center Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers

This is the year everyone was waiting for from Gomez, who has not disappointed. He had a .500 batting average and hit three home runs. The most impressive stat line of all is that he had five stolen bases this week. For some fantasy teams he alone could possibly get you the stolen base category. The Brewers are rolling right now too and don’t look to be slowing down any time soon. Start Gomez every day he is available.