Roto Riteup: August 2, 2012
Today’s Roto Riteup is being written prior to naptime. No, I don’t have any children; why do you ask?
• Neftali Feliz had Tommy John surgery yesterday, meaning it will be another year before we see Feliz back in the big leagues. If Neftali Feliz ever starts another big league game, I will be all kinds of surprised. The Rangers’ rotation is going to look very different next year, seeing that Feliz and Colby Lewis are both expected to miss most of the season, and the likes of Roy Oswalt and Ryan Dempster are going to be free agents. Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison figure to fill out the top, but there will be a scuffle for the bottom.
• Chase Headley’s homer against the Reds yesterday gives him 10 road dingers on the year; compare that to his three home jacks, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a split stat. It’s truly a shame Headley wasn’t deal to, well, anywhere else so that his talents could be truly appreciated.
• Alex Cobb’s SABR numbers have been really good this year — 2.13 K/BB, 60+% GB% — but his ERA is hideous by comparison. Cobb’s had some poor luck on balls in play, but he strutted his stuff against the Oakland A’s last night, going seven innings while striking out six to earn the “W.” Cobb is going to be a cog in the Rays rotation for the next couple of years, and he’ll have value in AL-only leagues.
For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here are a couple matchups you may be able to exploit.
A Pitcher for Today: Mike Minor vs MIA
No LoMo, no Hanley, and no Stanton makes the Marlins lineup vulnerable to attack.
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Joe Kelly vs MIL
Kelly’s ERA is bound to rise, but he has good stuff, and getting him at home is too much to pass up.
A Hitter for Today: All the Reds vs SD (Ross Ohlendorf)
Want to know a secret? Ross Ohlendorf has been pretty bad this year. Want to know another secret? The Reds are going to straight up murder him.
Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.
&*($&% Mike Olt call up today!! Waiver time?
Unless I’ve missed something obvious, I don’t understand how playing time is going to work out between Olt & Beltre. I realize Beltre hasn’t exactly been tearing it up over the past month, but he’s still Beltre.
Obviously the Rangers must have a plan. Since he’s likely to be on waivers and not an outright free agent in your league, it’s probably worth waiting at least a day to see if the situation gets a little more clear.
Even in a keeper? I feel like this is a guy to want in the long run. Tho I was planning to wait for Odorizzi, Straily, or Taveras.
Olt has also played 1B and OF. It’s conceivable he could split time between those spots, 3B and DH and get 3-4 starts a week. I can’t imagine they called him up to have him ride the pine.
@IronyMan: In a keeper you definitely want him. Obviously depending on need.
@Joey Batnuts: Fair enough, and I’m certain he’ll either be playing or on the bus back to the Minors. My concern is that because he’s blocked at his natural position and won’t have a “home” on the field, free and clear, his leash will be much shorter. Not that it’s ever that long for a prospect in a deep lineup in a pennant race. My feeling is that this is just a first look, and unless he’s making a significant impact on the team he’s not long for the Majors this year.
Why would they call him up to not give him ABs?
I’m sure they’ll give him at bats. I’m just not sure how many before he gets sent back down.