For the last few years, David Bush's fantasy approval rating has matched President Bush's leadership approval ratings. In 2004, both were well liked and in early 2008, both had about a 25% approval rating. While the President hasn't gotten much higher than that, David Bush is quietly gaining a lot of approval from fantasy owners in the last month, especially those that picked him off the scrap heap in June.

Back on June 13th, Bush had a 5.73 ERA and was coming off a 10-2 loss at the hands of the Twins. However, those three people that picked him up after that start have since enjoyed a dominant stretch from Bush. In his last five starts, has gone 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 36 innings. During that span, he has struck out 28 batters while walking four and allowing zero home runs. He has lowered his ERA more than 1.3 runs during that stretch and suddenly is one of the hottest pickups in league free agent pools. While the approval ratings are surging, there is a scandal around the corner for David Bush.

In his last 36 innings, he has permitted 45 flyballs yet none of them have left the yard. This coming from a pitcher who has a career HR/9 rate of 1.4 and HR/FB rate of 11.2. The longball has always been Bush's problem; he has never hurt himself with walks but too many balls in play coupled with the home run have led to a career 4.56 ERA. His opponent's batting average on balls in play during this hot streak has been a paltry .238; but his career aerage is .294. That is quite a sizable gap between the two totals that will close over the next few months.

While Bush has been very fine with his control during this hot streak, 2008 is actually his worst year for his walk rate. His career walk rate is an excellent 2.0, but this year's 2.4 number is the highest of his career and the third straight season his total has increased. Conversely,  his strikeout rate is in a three year decline. In 2006, he struck out 7.1 per nine; in 2008 he is striking out just under 5.0 per nine innings.

While David Bush has been a solid pitcher over the last month, it is a candidacy built on a house of cards. A ascending walk rate, a declining strikeout rate, and a flyball pitcher who has now gone 42 innings and 51 flyballs without permitting a homerun. You are never going to get more value out of Bush than you have these last five starts. Develop an exit strategy and move Bush while he has an increased popularity rating before he reminds of who he really is.

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