Roto Riteup: April 4th, 2012

Pitching, pitching, pitching! That’s the focus of today’s Roto Riteup.

–  We talked a little bit about the closer situation in Boston earlier this week, but now things have gotten more complicated. Andrew Bailey is going to have surgery on his thumb, and there’s a good chance he now misses half the season or more. Whoever is name his replacement will have solid value throughout the season, whether it be Mark Melancon or Alfredo Aceves.

–  Ross Detweiler has won a job in the Washington Nationals’ rotation, sending John Lannan to the minor leagues. Lannan is under contract for $5 million this season, so the Nationals must feel strongly that Detweiler is a superior rotation option. Detweiler was once an interesting prospect, but his major league results are entirely unspectacular. Even deep NL-only owners should ignore Detweiler.

–  Rays’ closer Kyle Farnsworth may have to start the season on the disabled list due to an elbow injury. Farnsworth was forced to miss time during the latter part of 2011 with elbow problems, so there is a little reason for concerns. Farnsworth looked like a great reliever over the last couple of years, and it’d be a shame if he can’t stay healthy while the Rays push for the World Series. Joel Peralta is likely to slide into the ninth inning role, and while it would be a surprise to see Fernando Rodney pitch in the ninth inning, it certainly isn’t out of the question.

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.