Bringer of Rain
A- Gone
Dick Allen
Luis Apapricio
Bill Melton
Reggie as an A
Rollie Fingers
Khris Davis
Monday, April 24, 2017
The right bet
When looking at “bargains” on Fan Duel, we'll typically focus on hitters who are $3,200 or lower. In general, we'll only highlight players at the top end of that scale if they have star potential.
We have only nine games to watch today. Thankfully, they'll all be a part of the evening slate. Keep an eye on the rain in Baltimore. Consider the status of that game “doubtful.” You may wish to avoid Chris Archer and Ubaldo Jimenez. You were already avoiding Jimenez, right? Since the weather report is rather daunting, I'll focus my attention on the other eight games.
Please note, these player picks were organized early in the day. For MLB contests, always check lineups and weather closer to game time. Rain, wind, or unexpected managerial decisions could open up additional sources of value. Be sure to keep an eye on the MLB Headlines and Injuries desk.
Onto the bargain plays...
1 – Amir Garrett – SP – Cincinnati (FanDuel $7,700)
I have my doubts about Garrett as a DFS asset. Despite three strong starts to open his career, his stuff doesn't appear to support a 1.83 ERA, 9.61 K/9, or 1.37 BB/9. Th southpaw has an average or worse fastball. He complements the pitch with an average changeup and plus slider. The overall profile should produce something like a 4.00 ERA going forward. Throughout his minor league career, he's walked roughly 3.5 BB/9. Once hitters
2 – Yasmani Grandal – C – Los Angeles (FanDuel $2,800)
There is one big red flag in an otherwise must-use start for Grandal – the game is at homer suppressant AT&T Park. Grandal is usually a multi-homer threat, although we may be lucky to get one from him tonight. He's opposed by terrible right-handed pitcher Matt Cain. The former star has become homer prone despite his helpful venue. Even if Grandal doesn't go yard, he'll probably at least draw a walk or two.
3 – Mike Napoli – 1B – Texas (FanDuel $3,000)
Phil Hughes predictably works within the strike zone, and he's allowed at least a 1.65 HR/9 in four of the last five seasons (including 15 innings in 2017). His velocity is down nearly two mph. It might be time to stick a fork in him – he's done. Napoli bats cleanup for the Rangers, putting him in an excellent spot to reap run production. Although he's off to a slow start, it appears to be mostly BABIP related. There are so many ways for Napoli to post a big point total versus Hughes and a weak Twins bullpen.
4 – Jose Peraza – 2B – Cincinnati (FanDuel $3,000)
By contrast, Peraza has one path to value – reach base multiple times and steal multiple bases. He's not my favorite recommendation in this column, although I am very eager to prey upon Matt Garza in his return from the disabled list. Peraza generally bats second for the Reds. His current .246 BABIP is fueled by a 40 percent soft contact rate. Garza should help him to put a little more charge in the ball. The baserunning matchup isn't ideal – Jett Bandy has caught 35.5 percent of would-be thieves in his short
5 – Aaron Hill – 3B – San Francisco (FanDuel $2,500)
It's a good day to pay full price for a quality third baseman. If you insist upon reaching into the bargain bin, Hill has recently been used as the Giants leadoff man against left-handed pitching. Opposing starter Hyun-Jin Ryu has allowed six home runs out of just 11 fly balls. That's a sign he's making some significant mistakes over the plate. While Ryu will probably regress to his normal home run rate – especially with the help of AT&T Park – there's a chance Hill will get something to ambush. As long as he's batting leadoff, the lineup role is right for the price. Just keep in mind that he's a mediocre hitter.
6 – Chris Owings – SS – Arizona (FanDuel $2,900)
I usually avoid ground ball hitters versus ground ball pitchers. It's a recipe for way too many grounders. It's a lot easier to predict one home run than four seeing eye singles. In the case of Owings facing Jhoulys Chacin at Chase Field, I'll reverse my tune. Not only is Chacin one of the worst pitchers in the league, the rock hard infield is great for ground ball hitters. Owings is also a threat to run if he reaches base. He generally ping-pongs between second and seventh in the lineup.
7 – Adam Duvall – OF – Cincinnati (FanDuel $3,100)
Duvall may be a safer matchup than Peraza for those looking to exploit Garza tonight. The right-handed slugger doesn't have platoon splits so there's no reason to worry about him facing a righty. He's an obvious multi-homer threat. The biggest issue with Duvall is a low OBP, making him a better choice for GPPs than smaller formats. Miller Park is one of the best venues for power.
Also consider Scott Schebler ($2,800) and Billy Hamilton ($3,100).
8 – David Peralta – OF – Arizona (FanDuel $3,000)
As I noted with Owings, I usually wouldn't use a ground ball hitter versus a pitcher like Chacin. Since Chacin is Chacin and Chase Field is Chase Field, I'm open to bucking the normal trends. Peralta is off to a steamy start thanks to a .377 BABIP. He's continued to make his typical low-angle hard contact. This year, he's shown an ability to hit the other way – good for beating those pesky shifts. He's batting .448 when opponents use a traditional lefty shift.
9 – Andrew Toles – OF – Los Angeles (FanDuel $2,200)
With Joc Pederson possibly DL-bound, Toles is a candidate to re-gain the leadoff job versus right-handed pitchers. He's hit for decent power while making much more contact than he did last season. The increased contact could be related to his willingness to use the opposite field this year, something he did sparingly in his 2016 debut. Toles has a gimme matchup against Cain. The vast ballpark probably eliminates him as a good pick if he's down in the order. As the leadoff man, he's well worth his $2,200.
Bummer Garner
Who does Madison Bumgarner think he is—Travis Pastrana?
I’m a firm believer that April is too soon to panic. With that said, San Francisco can’t be pleased with how the early part of the season has played out. The 6-11 Giants sit in last place in the NL West and have lost all four of Bumgarner’s starts. Bumgarner has been lights out (3.00 ERA, .236 BAA) but San Francisco’s stagnant offense has routinely hung him out to dry. Only two big league starters—Jose Quintana and Ian Kennedy—have received less run support than Bumgarner this year.
It gets worse. Now Bumgarner is facing a 6-8 week absence after bruising his ribs and straining the AC joint in his left shoulder in a dirt bike accident on Thursday. It’s a nightmare scenario for a Giants team that can’t seem to catch a break. The offense is scuffling (.237 team average), the rotation has been a mixed bag and San Francisco’s supposedly revamped bullpen is the same dumpster fire it’s always been. In past years when the Giants have struggled they could usually count on Bumgarner to throw them a life preserver. Now someone else will have to keep the ship from sinking. My advice to Bumgarner: ditch the Kawasaki and go with the Schwinn next time.
See Ya, Starling
In other, non-dirt-bike-related news, the Pirates lost Starling Marte to an 80-game PED suspension on Tuesday. Marte is the biggest name to be suspended for PEDs since Dee Gordon received an identical 80-game ban last season. Marte knew about his failed test in spring training but was allowed to play during the appeals process. In his absence, converted right fielder Andrew McCutchen will head back to his old stomping grounds in center field. Judging by his highlight-reel catch Tuesday against St. Louis, McCutchen can still patrol center with the best of them.
With right field vacated, manager Clint Hurdle has had to get creative in filling out his lineup card. But Hurdle has never been afraid to wave his freak flag. It’s only been three
Whatever combination of fringe players the Pirates assemble in right field won’t come close to replicating Marte’s masterful production out of the No. 2 spot in Pittsburgh’s lineup. The 28-year-old was quietly the Pirates’ best player last year, leading the team in both batting average (.311) and stolen bases (47). Marte is also known for his defensive prowess, earning Gold Glove Awards in each of his last two seasons. His loss will be felt, both in Pittsburgh and the fantasy realm.
The Big Picture
You should always have the big picture in mind when it comes to your season-long fantasy baseball leagues. Putting too much stock in a small sample size might cause you to make a decision that hurts you in the long run. That said, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be taking stock of what’s happened in the immediate past. It can be useful when it comes to weekly or especially daily lineup decisions, waiver wire considerations, tracking who might be coming into more playing time, etc.
The Rotoworld Player Rater is a handy tool that’s among the extensive offerings in Season Pass. Each week, I’ll be using the Player Rater to look at the hottest hitters, position by position, over the last week, and providing commentary.
The following data is based on 5x5 Roto scoring and covers
Catcher
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Austin Hedges |
SD |
C |
3.87934 |
3.16113 |
-0.46435 |
0.42274 |
1.55075 |
8.55 |
#2 |
Jett Bandy |
MLW |
C |
2.73551 |
0.88763 |
-0.46435 |
1.26628 |
0.45954 |
4.88 |
#3 |
Robinson Chirinos |
TEX |
C |
2.73551 |
0.43292 |
-0.46435 |
0.57289 |
0.45954 |
3.74 |
#4 |
Miguel Montero |
CHC |
C |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
-0.46435 |
2.53191 |
1.00515 |
3.50 |
#5 |
Willson Contreras |
CHC |
C |
0.44786 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
1.14577 |
1.00515 |
3.48 |
#6 |
Evan Gattis |
HOU |
C |
0.44786 |
0.88763 |
-0.46435 |
0.48267 |
-0.08607 |
1.27 |
#7 |
Chris Iannetta |
ARZ |
C |
0.44786 |
0.43292 |
-0.46435 |
0.36216 |
0.45954 |
1.24 |
#8 |
Russell Martin |
TOR |
C |
0.44786 |
-0.47648 |
-0.46435 |
0.12115 |
1.55075 |
1.18 |
#9 |
Manny Pina |
MLW |
C |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
-0.46435 |
0.72368 |
-0.08607 |
.60 |
#10 |
Yasmani Grandal |
LA |
C |
0.44786 |
0.43292 |
-0.46435 |
0.24166 |
-0.08607 |
.57 |
Austin Hedges was a popular second catcher target for some this spring after he walloped the ball at Triple-A El Paso last season. After a 0-for-23
First Base
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Freddie Freeman |
ATL |
1B |
3.87934 |
1.79703 |
1.28930 |
2.47198 |
2.64197 |
12.08 |
#2 |
Anthony Rizzo |
CHC |
1B |
2.73551 |
2.70643 |
3.04295 |
1.20635 |
2.09636 |
11.79 |
#3 |
Ryan Zimmerman |
WAS |
1B |
2.73551 |
3.61583 |
-0.46435 |
2.71299 |
1.00515 |
9.61 |
#4 |
Joey Votto |
CIN |
1B |
2.73551 |
3.16113 |
-0.46435 |
0.42274 |
2.09636 |
7.95 |
#5 |
Eric Thames |
MLW |
1B |
1.59169 |
0.43292 |
-0.46435 |
1.47765 |
3.73318 |
6.77 |
#6 |
Paul Goldschmidt |
ARZ |
1B |
0.44786 |
1.79703 |
1.28930 |
-0.21008 |
2.09636 |
5.42 |
#7 |
Yulieski Gurriel |
HOU |
1B |
0.44786 |
0.88763 |
-0.46435 |
2.59249 |
1.00515 |
4.47 |
#8 |
Justin Bour |
MIA |
1B |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
0.66375 |
0.45954 |
3.59 |
#9 |
Justin Smoak |
TOR |
1B |
1.59169 |
1.79703 |
-0.46435 |
0.69404 |
-0.08607 |
3.53 |
#10 |
John Hicks |
DET |
1B |
0.44786 |
1.79703 |
-0.46435 |
1.35650 |
-0.08607 |
3.05 |
Second Base
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Jose Altuve |
HOU |
2B |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
3.04295 |
1.35714 |
1.00515 |
8.34 |
#2 |
Robinson Cano |
SEA |
2B |
1.59169 |
1.79703 |
-0.46435 |
1.98996 |
2.64197 |
7.56 |
#3 |
Kolten Wong |
STL |
2B |
0.44786 |
1.34233 |
3.04295 |
1.05555 |
1.55075 |
7.44 |
#4 |
Jose Ramirez |
CLE |
2B |
1.59169 |
0.88763 |
3.04295 |
0.06122 |
1.00515 |
6.59 |
#5 |
Starlin Castro |
NYY |
2B |
1.59169 |
2.25173 |
-0.46435 |
1.95967 |
1.00515 |
6.34 |
#6 |
Cesar Hernandez |
PHI |
2B |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
3.04295 |
1.23664 |
1.55075 |
6.26 |
#7 |
Brandon Phillips |
ATL |
2B |
0.44786 |
0.43292 |
1.28930 |
1.74895 |
0.45954 |
4.38 |
#8 |
Joe Panik |
SF |
2B |
0.44786 |
0.88763 |
1.28930 |
1.53758 |
-0.08607 |
4.08 |
#9 |
Ian Kinsler |
DET |
2B |
0.44786 |
-0.47648 |
1.28930 |
-0.33058 |
1.55075 |
2.48 |
#10 |
Jonathan Schoop |
BAL |
2B |
1.59169 |
0.88763 |
-0.46435 |
0.15144 |
-0.08607 |
2.08 |
Third Base
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Travis Shaw |
MLW |
3B |
2.73551 |
3.61583 |
1.28930 |
0.72433 |
1.00515 |
9.37 |
#2 |
Joey Gallo |
TEX |
3B |
3.87934 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
-0.08957 |
2.64197 |
7.31 |
#3 |
Nolan Arenado |
COL |
3B |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
0.90476 |
1.55075 |
6.68 |
#4 |
Jake Lamb |
ARZ |
3B |
1.59169 |
2.25173 |
-0.46435 |
1.11613 |
1.55075 |
6.05 |
#5 |
Eugenio Suarez |
CIN |
3B |
1.59169 |
-0.02178 |
-0.46435 |
1.41707 |
1.55075 |
4.07 |
#6 |
Trevor Plouffe |
OAK |
3B |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
0.30223 |
1.00515 |
3.78 |
#7 |
Nick Castellanos |
DET |
3B |
0.44786 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
0.57353 |
1.55075 |
3.45 |
#8 |
Kris Bryant |
CHC |
3B |
-0.69596 |
0.43292 |
1.28930 |
-0.05928 |
1.55075 |
2.52 |
#9 |
Jedd Gyorko |
STL |
3B |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
-0.46435 |
1.38678 |
1.00515 |
2.35 |
#10 |
Evan Longoria |
TB |
3B |
0.44786 |
1.79703 |
-0.46435 |
0.60382 |
-0.08607 |
2.30 |
Shortstop
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Taylor Motter |
SEA |
SS |
2.73551 |
2.25173 |
1.28930 |
-0.17979 |
1.00515 |
7.10 |
#2 |
Trevor Story |
COL |
SS |
2.73551 |
2.70643 |
-0.46435 |
0.54324 |
1.55075 |
7.07 |
#3 |
Tim Beckham |
TB |
SS |
0.44786 |
0.88763 |
1.28930 |
1.35714 |
1.55075 |
5.53 |
#4 |
Andrelton Simmons |
LAA |
SS |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
1.23664 |
-0.08607 |
5.37 |
#5 |
Addison Russell |
CHC |
SS |
0.44786 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
0.39245 |
0.45954 |
3.93 |
#6 |
Adam Rosales |
OAK |
SS |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
0.42274 |
0.45954 |
3.35 |
#7 |
Corey Seager |
LA |
SS |
0.44786 |
1.34233 |
-0.46435 |
1.05555 |
0.45954 |
2.84 |
#8 |
Elvis Andrus |
TEX |
SS |
-0.69596 |
0.43292 |
3.04295 |
-0.57160 |
-0.63168 |
1.58 |
#9 |
Jorge Polanco |
MIN |
SS |
-0.69596 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
-0.39116 |
-0.08607 |
1.46 |
#10 |
Aledmys Diaz |
STL |
SS |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
1.28930 |
0.30223 |
-0.63168 |
1.39 |
Outfield
Rank |
Player |
Tm |
Pos |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
R |
VAL |
#1 |
Bryce Harper |
WAS |
OF |
2.73551 |
2.25173 |
-0.46435 |
3.22530 |
4.27879 |
12.03 |
#2 |
Mookie Betts |
BOS |
OF |
1.59169 |
3.16113 |
4.79659 |
1.23664 |
1.00515 |
11.79 |
#3 |
Mike Trout |
LAA |
OF |
1.59169 |
0.88763 |
3.04295 |
2.77357 |
1.55075 |
9.85 |
#4 |
Giancarlo Stanton |
MIA |
OF |
3.87934 |
2.25173 |
-0.46435 |
2.11046 |
1.55075 |
9.33 |
#5 |
Aaron Altherr |
PHI |
OF |
0.44786 |
0.88763 |
3.04295 |
2.08018 |
2.64197 |
9.10 |
#6 |
A.J. Pollock |
ARZ |
OF |
0.44786 |
-0.02178 |
3.04295 |
3.91870 |
1.55075 |
8.94 |
#7 |
Steven Souza |
TB |
OF |
1.59169 |
3.16113 |
-0.46435 |
2.65306 |
1.55075 |
8.49 |
#8 |
Kevin Pillar |
TOR |
OF |
1.59169 |
0.43292 |
3.04295 |
1.86945 |
1.00515 |
7.94 |
#9 |
Michael Brantley |
CLE |
OF |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
1.56787 |
2.09636 |
7.89 |
#10 |
Ryan Braun |
MLW |
OF |
1.59169 |
1.34233 |
1.28930 |
1.83917 |
1.55075 |
7.61 |
There are a lot of familiar names on this list, but the first one that stands out is Aaron Altherr.
Altherr has been getting a chance to play regularly with Howie Kendrick (oblique) going down and he’s responded with a .429/.478/.714 batting line with a homer and two stolen bases over the past week. The 26-year-old strikes out too much and is never going to hit for average consistently, but he’s always possessed a blend of power and speed. Kendrick will be out another couple weeks, and even after that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Altherr steal at-bats from the struggling Michael Saunders
Steven Souza is ninth in baseball with his 1.037 OPS and is tied for the American League lead with his 17 RBI. Perhaps most encouraging is that he’s dropped his strikeout rate to a digestible 25.6 percent, which is a notable improvement for a guy who was at well over 30 percent in his first two years with the Rays. I still don’t expect Souza to hit for average, and he’s also dealt with his fair share of injuries. He’s got power and a dose of speed, though, and has been batting either leadoff or fifth for Tampa depending on whether there’s a righty or lefty on the mound … Kevin Pillar is one of the few Jays that’s healthy and hitting, and that’s resulted in a move up to the leadoff spot. The speedy outfielder has an 11-game hitting streak going and is batting .375/.405/.700 with three dingers and two steals since moving to the top of the order. Pillar isn’t going to continue to hit for average, but we could easily see a bounce-back to his 2015 levels of power and speed when he belted 12 homers and stole 25 bases … I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t see this start from Michael Brantley coming. I doubt anyone really did following a season wrecked by multiple shoulder and biceps surgeries. The soon-to-be 30-year-old is hitting .382/.447/.706 with three homers and two steals over his last eight games, and there have been no hints of any health issues. It might be a tad early to say the former All-Star is totally back. He’s sat out four games already and we can’t say for sure how his shoulder will hold up once his workload is increased. But, it’s impossible not to be super encouraged …
Thursday, April 13, 2017
The O's are back, the O's are back in town.
Trumbo. Jones, Davis, and Machado return to the Sky Dome for a 4 game set with the Jays, the 1-7 Jays, who are limping into this series without much of an offense.
Donaldson wounded, Bautista not hitting, Russell Martin just his first hit last night. Losing both halves of the 2 game set against the Brew Crew.
The Jays are dead last in the East and in the sausage race, hitting less than .100 with runners in scoring position.
Power slippage has been unprecedented , with few big bombs being hit.
Stroman goes 9 full innings surrendering only 2 earned runs, and gets 0 run support, and now we send Francisco Liriano back against the O's after historic meltdown last weekend.
Never have the Jays been this worse off, no team in the history of baseball has ever started off 1-7 and made the playoffs.
Thanks God we have the Leafs tolook forward to, never thought I had to through the Leaf out there as my savior.
Trumbo. Jones, Davis, and Machado return to the Sky Dome for a 4 game set with the Jays, the 1-7 Jays, who are limping into this series without much of an offense.
Donaldson wounded, Bautista not hitting, Russell Martin just his first hit last night. Losing both halves of the 2 game set against the Brew Crew.
The Jays are dead last in the East and in the sausage race, hitting less than .100 with runners in scoring position.
Power slippage has been unprecedented , with few big bombs being hit.
Stroman goes 9 full innings surrendering only 2 earned runs, and gets 0 run support, and now we send Francisco Liriano back against the O's after historic meltdown last weekend.
Never have the Jays been this worse off, no team in the history of baseball has ever started off 1-7 and made the playoffs.
Thanks God we have the Leafs tolook forward to, never thought I had to through the Leaf out there as my savior.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Elephants On Acid
An update on my main fantasy team, draft has concluded,and the season has begun.
No starting pitchers have started as yet, but I have accumulated 6 scoreless innings to date, in the first week.
Garrett Richards and Tajuan Walker are due to pitch today, meaning April 5th, 2017, so we shall see how that goes.
No results as yet, we've just started the season off so the race is just beginning.
Glen Dundas is my main rival, and Glen has a good team.
I see the fight going down the last month of the year.
An update on my main fantasy team, draft has concluded,and the season has begun.
No starting pitchers have started as yet, but I have accumulated 6 scoreless innings to date, in the first week.
Garrett Richards and Tajuan Walker are due to pitch today, meaning April 5th, 2017, so we shall see how that goes.
No results as yet, we've just started the season off so the race is just beginning.
Glen Dundas is my main rival, and Glen has a good team.
I see the fight going down the last month of the year.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Spring Training
Spring Training stats mean nothing, absolutely nothing, except when you are trying to make the team out out of spring training.
Then, they count big time.
Stretch out , take massive cuts in the batting cage, running wind sprints.
1,2,3 stretch . oooh that hurts..
Better to dip into my private stash of seed
Then, they count big time.
Stretch out , take massive cuts in the batting cage, running wind sprints.
1,2,3 stretch . oooh that hurts..
Better to dip into my private stash of seed
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