• Only Addison Reed could pull off the amazing feat of allowing a 3-run homer and still racking up a save in the same game. After Eury De La Rosa started the ninth inning with a four-run lead, he allowed a pair of baserunners, turning a non-save situation into a save situation thanks to the tying run being on deck. Reed promptly gave up a three-run jack to Devin Mesoraco, turning the game into a razor-closer affair. Reed did manage to strike out Ryan Ludwick to preserve the 5-4 win but not before leaving a queasy feeling in Arizona fans’ stomaches.

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It’s probably safe to say that the Tampa Rays and Anaheim Angels didn’t draw up their bullpen plans like this in March. Both teams have had numerous players close games — or rather, attempt to close games — since the beginning of the season. They’ve both had the dubious “closer by committee” approach. They’ve both tried reclamation projects and they’ve both tried some kids. But what falls out of focus is how this shifting impacts the arms trotted out there in the 7th and 8th innings for those of you in leagues which value the hold. And over the last month, there have been two very valuable late inning arms whom you may want to employ.

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On Monday I took a look at how hitters fare under different daily fantasy scoring models. With Draftstreet being bought out by DraftKings, I thought it might be beneficial to note the differences between Draftstreet scoring and a couple of other sites to which daily players might have moved their money. If you don’t want to bother clicking over to read the hitter article, the short version was this: guys who strikeout a lot get a boost on non-DraftStreet formats, and guys whose main skill is contact lose some value. There isn’t nearly as much movement among pitchers, but let’s take a look at how the hurlers are affected. Read the rest of this entry »

I began the year at RotoGraphs by producing a semi-regularly-updated Top 25 prospects list. For the second half of the year and into the offseason, I’ll be rotating expanded Top 10, 12 or 15 lists (on a far more regular basis) by position: C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF/RF, CF, RHSP (tier 1), RHSP (tier 2), LHSP. Whether you play traditional formats of fantasy baseball or dynasty/keeper styles (or you’re just a prospect nut like me), you’ll surely find these lists indispensable. You can read the recent Impact Prospect Catchers piece here. Read the rest of this entry »

Two pitchers who have changed scenery in the past four months and have rediscovered better versions of themselves with the relocation. Either of them could have a shelf life that lasts into the season’s final weeks. The first is pretty much entirely in control of that possibility, for fantasy baseball owners. The second’s rotation spot may be in jeopardy, but if he survives the week, then you might want to take a look.

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Agenda

1. A Reminder About Process
2. Daily DFS
3. Thin Thursday
4. Table

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It’s been a disappointing season for Jake Peavy, as he posted a 4.72 ERA with the Red Sox and although meaningless on its own, sported a rather hilarious 1-9 record. And it’s not even like he was simply suffering from poor fortune. His 4.33 xFIP was his worst mark since his first full season in 2003, as his strikeout rate was down and walk rate up. It became acceptable to drop him in shallow mixed leagues. But on Saturday, the Giants acquired the right-hander, resulting in Peavy’s return to the National League. Let’s find out if that is going to be enough to put him back on mixed league radars.

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Tuesday felt like Monday, but Wednesday feels like Wednesday at the Roto Riteup.

On today’s agenda:
1. Jon Lester scratched; trade on the way
2. Marcus Stroman shines again
3. Jay Bruce to return Friday
4. Jake Marisnick sent down
5. The Flowing Five

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• We talked about Neil Ramirez a bit last night, and although it seemed like he was just going to rest without any injury he was just put on the 15-day DL today. Ramirez has a sore right triceps muscle and he hopefully is back soon for the Cubs. The interesting piece in all of this is that the Cubs apparently really did just want Ramirez to rest but sending someone to the minors for that reason “could be viewed as an attempt to save on a major league salary.”

• Neftali Feliz recorded a save late last night, his second of the season. The good news is that it looks like Feliz is taking the reigns on the closing gig in Texas. The bad news is all of our previous concerns about Feliz and his injury haven’t quite evaporated. Feliz made his bread throwing in the high 90s, but he was maxing out at 93 mph last night.  That’s enough to be a successful major league pitcher, and if he’s getting saves Feliz will have value but it goes without say that a lot of his shine has worn off, and anyone expecting Feliz to return to the Feliz when he first came on the seen will be disappointed.

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Obviously there are a variety of fantasy leagues out there, and while it is not necessarily the most popular among hardcore fantasy fans, the daily leagues do exist and Seth Smith is a guy that should be owned across the board in such formats.
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