Roto Riteup: April 5, 2013

The last day of the standard work week is upon us! Help power through to the weekend with today’s Roto Riteup.

On today’s agenda:
1. Mr. Arencibia has a big day
2. Andy Pettitte throws an efficient eight innings
3. Gerardo Parra earns his keep

J.P. Arencibia has a big day
Yesterday Arencibia reached base three times in four plate appearances, two of which came via the long ball. As of writing, Arencibia has a smooth 1.000 slugging percentage on the season. You have to love arbitrary numbers in small sample sizes! With a very good lineup around him and a home park that is very friendly to his skill set, Arencibia is a must own in two catcher leagues and is rosterable in mixed leagues. I’m expecting a 20-homer season from him, and I can stomach his batting average by playing him with high average, lower power hitters. You can pick up Arencibia in 70% of Yahoo! leagues, 11% of ESPN formats, and 55% of CBS leagues. As for Ottoneu leagues, I would stay away from him in SABR points and 4×4 leagues as his poor on-base percentage is a huge negative factor.

Andy Pettitte’s gem
It took a mere 94 pitches for Andy Pettitte to last eight innings and allow just one run against the Boston Red Sox last night. Three double play helped wipe runners off base and allowed him to be efficient all night long. He only posted three strikeouts, but when his WHIP and ERA are both a shiny 1.13, it is awfully hard to complain about his outing. He may be 40 years old, but showed that he has plenty left in the tank. He is getting it done without a big fastball — his four-seam fastball averaged just 88.5 mph yesterday — but did garner nine whiffs on the night. Pettitte should get plenty of run support with that lineup going to work for him, so the wins should be there. As long as he can still get batters to swing and miss, he should be owned in almost all league formats. Grab him this morning before the rest of your league wakes up! You should be able to make a move for Pettitte in 80% of ESPN leagues and 45% of Yahoo! formats, but just 20% of CBS leagues.

Gerardo Parra: lead off hitter
After earning a vote of confidence from his manager, Kirk Gibson, on Monday, Parra has appeared at the lead off spot in every game he has played thus far. Yesterday he blasted a home run and also sped around the bases for a triple en route to his 3-for-7 day. With a guaranteed lead of spot until Adam Eaton or Willie Bloomquist (don’t laugh) are back from the disabled list, Parra is sitting pretty atop the lineup. Neither Eaton nor Bloomquist are especially close to returning — at least two weeks each — so snap up Parra while you can. He is also eligible in all three outfield slots, so in custom leagues that don’t use the generic OF, Parra makes for an especially attractive grab. Parra is available in 75% of both CBS and Yahoo! leagues and over 90% of ESPN formats. With regular playing time, Parra could clear 15-15 mark on the season; no too shabby for a waiver wire player.