Roto Riteup: April 3rd, 2012

Today’s Roto Riteup mysteriously focuses on the Braves and Rockies.

–  The Braves have finally decided that Tyler Pastornicky is their shortstop, at least for the 2012. Pastornicky is what some would call a “contact machine,” but he doesn’t have much in the way of power production. Pastornicky has put up decent SB numbers in the minors, but don’t expect him to swipe more than, say, 20 bags while hitting in the eighth hole.

–  Also getting a nod in Atlanta is Randall Delgado, who will be the team’s fifth starter for the first few weeks of 2012. Delgado may get shipped back to the minors when Tim Hudson returns from back surgery, but he could force the team’s hand if he pitches well and Mike Minor struggles.

–  Ubaldo Jimenez has been suspended 5 games by Major League Baseball, meaning that he’ll miss one start to open the year. Ubaldo’s suspension comes after beaning former teammate Troy Tulowitzki over the weekend, inciting benches to clear. Set your lineups accordingly.

–  While Jamie Moyer currently occupies a spot in the Colorado Rockies’ rotation, fellow lefty Jorge De La Rosa is going to come knocking at some point this year. Barring a setback, De La Rosa plans to be back around the start of June, and at that point, someone is likely to have pitched themselves out of a rotation spot. Be it youthful struggles from Drew Pomeranz, Jhouyls Chacin or Juan Nicasio or old age nightmare from Jeremy Guthrie or Moyer, someone’s going to be ready for some extended time off.

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.