OFF THE CUFF - Fantasy Sports -

Those starved for starting pitching may find solace in the fact that there are host of quality arms out there for the taking, depending on what you're looking for.

While most owners may consider a hurler's strikeout totals first and foremost when acquiring pitching talent, I place an even higher premium on a player's walk rate and WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched).

In past articles, I've advocated buying low on Minnesota control artists Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey, both of whom have also posted impressive strikeout totals of late.

Oakland's Dallas Braden qualifies as an efficient low-walks guy without the gaudy punch-out numbers.

The 6'1" lefty has managed to hand out two or less free passes to the opposition over his past nine starts, while limiting batters to one home run in his last five appearances.

Another option to keep tabs on is

Ricky Nolasco, who's early numbers have been horrifying.

After a brief stint in the minors, the young Marlin has regrouped in his last two starts.

Every time I've watched him this year, his offerings were crisp and served with plenty of velocity.

I mean 50 strikeouts and only 17 bases-on-balls in 56.2 innings pitched are staff-ace worthy totals.

Alas, Nolasco's mechanics were off to start the season, which can happen to anyone whether your name is Johan Santana or Wally Whitehurst.

Monitor his performance versus Boston later tonight before making a play for him.

One pitcher who's sort of been under-the-radar is Japanese import

Hiroki Kuroda.

After two months on the shelf, Kuroda has yielded mixed results. His WHIP, though, is a miniscule 1.09 due in large part to his 17-tosix strikeouts-to-walks ratio in his last 11.1 innings pitched, as of Wednesday, June 17.

The 34-year-old gets tremendous movement on his fastball and uses a 12-to-6 curve to keep hitters on their toes.

Another control freak to kick the tires on is Colorado's Jason Hammel. The 6'6" righty is a highly skilled starter who can throw just about any pitch.

He's 3-0 in his last three starts with three walks and 15 strikeouts.

He's a most intriguing option in deep leagues or if your staff has been devastated by injuries.