Roto Riteup: April 2nd, 2012

Today’s Roto Riteup isn’t nearly exciting as your Monday is going to be. Monday’s are the best.

–  It looks as if Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey is going to start the year on the disabled list. Owners of Bailey should have been expecting a DL stint at some point, but starting the year on the bench can be a little less psychologically damaging. With Daniel Bard sliding into Boston’s rotation, one would assume setup man Mark Melancon would finish games in Bailey’s absence. However, there is growing speculation and reports that the Red Sox would hand to job over to Alfredo Aceves, the loser of the three man fight for Boston’s final rotation spot. You should probably pick up whoever gets the nod, especially with Bailey’s injury history.

–  Recently the recipient of a nice contract extension, Dustin McGowan is now going to miss the first month of the year thanks to the ever-lovely plantar fasciitis. McGowan had success back in 2007 and 2008, but he’s only pitched 21 big-league innings since. McGowan’s fastball still had good life to it last year, and an injury that doesn’t involve the 30-year-old’s arm is going to be seen as a blessing in disguise. McGowan is an interesting grab in deeper AL-only leagues due to his strikeout potential, but he has more warts to be worth it in any other format.

–  The Blue Jays will announce their fifth starter on Tuesday. Youngster Kyle Drabek is battling replacement leveler Aaron Laffey. If Drabek can harness his stuff, he could be a very good major league starter. If Laffey took steroids, he’d be a sub-par big league starter, and he’d be suspended.

–  Desmond Jennings hit three homers yesterday, which is pretty freaking cool. I don’t think he’ll ever be a power hitter, but he’ll hit more jacks than most people originally thought he would.

–  Shaun Marcum looks primed and ready to go for opening day, despite concerns about his shoulder. I’d still feel weird selecting a guy who throws soft and has shoulder problems.

A Pitcher For Today/Tomorrow
During the season, you’ll be finding recommendations for starters you could stream for the day after the notes, but this being spring training, I’m going to assume you aren’t playing some strange high-stakes spring fantasy game.

FanGraphs: The Game
Normally, this part of the Riteup will highlight both a pitcher and a hitter you should consider utilizing for FanGraphs: The Game.

If you have anything in particular you’d like to see in this year’s Roto Riteup, please say so in the comments. Feedback is appreciated.