by Jimmy Hascup

Hitter of the Week:
Despite losing the potent bat of Justin Upton in the middle of the week, Mark Reynolds wasn’t fazed.  At just 26-years-old, Reynolds has made a case to be acknowledged among the top 3Bs in baseball this season.  Even as the lineup around him continues to be crumble, Reynolds hit in every game, but one this week.  With 6 HR and 10 RBI, along with a .448 average (13-29 for the week), 6 R, and a steal, Reynolds continues his monster season.  The 3B definitely carried fantasy teams in the power department this week.  He leads the NL with 36 HR and ranks 2nd in SLG, with a .613 mark.  Remarkable considering the lack of quality players around him in the lineup.

Runner’s Up:

* Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals – .522 (12-23), 4 HR, 7 RBI, 10 R, 0 SB
* Billy Butler – Kansas City Royals – .538 (14-26), 2 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB – and 25 TB
* Adam Dunn – Washington Nationals – .552 (9-24), 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB
* Johnny Damon – New York Yankees – .345 (10-29), 4 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB

Pitcher of the Week:
This week’s pitcher of the week was a close call between Javier Vazquez and Andy Pettitte, but I have to give the nod to Vazquez because of the 2 Ws.  Pitching against the Dodgers and Padres, Vazquez allowed 3 ER in 15 IP (1.80 ERA) and just 9 H and 3 BB (0.87 WHIP).  He also had 13 Ks in those innings and has put together quite the season.  The Braves will need their ace to continue their playoff push.  Pettitte put together two extraordinary starts against good hitting teams, in the Red Sox and Blue Jays.  He allowed just 1 ER in those starts.

Runner’s Up:

* Andy Pettitte – New York Yankees – 1 W, 13.2 IP, 0.66 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 10 K
* Mat Latos – San Diego Padres – 2 W, 13.0 IP, 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10 K
* Jon Lester – Boston Red Sox – 0 W, 13.0 IP, 1.38 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 17 K
* Jered Weaver – LA Angels of Anaheim – 1 W, 7.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 11 K

What does everyone think?  If not these players, who else do you think was deserving of the awards this week?

Previous Winners:

Hitter of the Week
Week 1 – Evan Longoria
Week 2 – Ian Kinsler
Week 3 – Albert Pujols
Week 4 – Carl Crawford
Week 5 – Hanley Ramirez
Week 6 – Raul Ibanez
Week 7 – Joe Mauer
Week 8 – Luke Scott
Week 9 – Ian Stewart
Week 10 – Carlos Pena
Week 11 – Ryan Braun
Week 12 – Hanley Ramirez
Week 13 – Albert Pujols
Week 14 – Ryan Ludwick
Week 15 – Yunel Escobar
Week 16 – Matt Holliday
Week 17 – Jacoby Ellsbury

Pitcher of the Week
Week 1 – Josh Johnson
Week 2 – Zack Greinke
Week 3 – Rich Harden
Week 4 – Dan Haren
Week 5 – Zack Greinke
Week 6 – Roy Halladay
Week 7 – Chris Young
Week 8 – John Maine
Week 9 – Roy Halladay
Week 10 – Jose Contreras
Week 11 – Kevin Correia
Week 12 – Chad Gaudin
Week 13 – Tim Lincecum
Week 14 – Jonathan Sanchez
Week 15 – J.P. Howell
Week 16 – Mark Buehrle
Week 17 – Tim Lincecum