Author Archive

Starting Pitcher Chart – August 15th, 2025

Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 14th, 2025

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

  • Skubal is obviously far and away the best pitcher going today (though divisional gms on the road can be tricky!)
  • Of the Senga-Luzardo-Boyd trio, Boyd’s been the best guy pitch-for-pitch but has far and away the toughest matchup which drove the hair-splitting rankings of them
  • I still think the Marlins should’ve sold high on Cabrera, but it seems the SP market didn’t materialize for the top end ones; he’s tried to keep them in the playoff mix w/2 absolute gems since the deadline: 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, 18 Ks, 2 BB in 14 IP
  • I’m inclined to start Scherzer everywhere when he’s healthy
  • Bibee is far from a must-start w/MIA surging to 5th in wOBA vR over the L30
  • It might just be an injury washout (& he’s looked fine in his 2 starts off the IL), but I do think he lives on a thin margin so when it does go, it’ll be quick. 90-91 mph fastballs with a 1.5 HR9 don’t age super well. It’s giving Kevin Slowey vibes – a pitcher I loved along with Scot Baker (who also had this profile type!)
  • Lord has a 2.70 ERA in 4 starts since returning to the rotation, but a modest 12% K-BB says it’s more run-hot than breakout

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 13th, 2025

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

Updates:

  • I know this won’t get out to everyone, but I have to postpone my chat today. I will probably be able to run it Friday, but there is a small chance it’s cancelled entirely for the week. Thanks for understanding!
  • Melton in for Montero for the Tigers!

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 12th, 2025

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

I had a little issue last night with some foot swelling so I was laid up for a good part of the evening. Swelling is not just down but completely gone this morning so hopefully it was just a blip! Apologies to those of you who use this for pickups because I know that requires a night-before release, but I just ended up falling asleep after elevating the foot while watching the Tigers game. Everything should be good tonight for Wednesday’s board.

Updates:

  • Brown in for Horton, still just 1-x reco
  • Assad in now… c’mon Chicago, make a choice! 😂
  • Y’all are right on Wacha, 1-x is crazy work… updated him to full 3-x reco
  • Also agree on Baz skepticism (consider he & Wacha switched in ranks – Wacha to 9, Baz to 16)

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 11th, 2025

Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.
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The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 1441 – 2-Start Pitchers for Week 21

8/8/25

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is live. Support the show by subscribing to our Patreon!!

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PATREON

2-START PITCHERS FOR WEEK 20

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 8th, 2025

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

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Starting Pitcher Write Ups – August 7th, 2025

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

With just 4 games, I figured I’d just write ’em up really quick.

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Paul Sporer’s Baseball Chat – August 6th, 2025

Thanks for coming out!!

1:13

Paul Sporer: Good afternoon, thanks for coming out!!

1:14

TC: Nick Kurtz will be drafted as a top-__ hitter next year

1:19

Paul Sporer: I think the answer absolutely depends on these last two months but as it stands right now, I’d say 3rd-4th round so like a Top 25 hitter which is probably too high for a rookie with a 30% K rate, but he’s just been SOOOO good

1:19

smuckles: Dynasty, points league: time to drop Gore?

1:22

Paul Sporer: Yes, I’m OK with that. Every time he reels us in with a good run, it’s canceled out by a disastrously bad run that leaves you worse off than before you had him. And even has his best, the WHIP is always a problem. He may one day still connect all the dots as he’s still just 26 years old, but I’m tired of getting rug-pulled by him

1:22

Rickey: What are the odds Ke’bryan hayes becomes interesting again in cincinnati? What’s the upside for him? And do you figure Sal Stewart is now. 1baseman?

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Starting Pitcher Chart – August 6th, 2025

Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Daily SP Chart archive

The chart includes their performance for 2025, their opponent’s wOBA rank versus the pitcher’s handedness from this year so far, my general start/sit recommendation for 10-team, 12-team, and 15-team (or more) leagues, and then a note about them. Obviously, there are league sizes beyond those three so it’s essentially a shallow, medium, deep. If a pitcher only has an “x” in 15-team, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential use in 10s and 12s, but it’s a much riskier stream for those spots.

These are general recommendations, and your league situation will carry more weight whether you are protecting ratios or chasing counting numbers. This is for standard 5×5 roto leagues. The thresholds for H2H starts are generally lower, especially in points leagues so I thought there would be more valuable focusing on roto.

Read the rest of this entry »