Roto Riteup: August 6, 2015

Yesterday the new United States soccer crest leaked online. Given that the current crest has been in service since I was six years old, it was time for an update. Both the USMNT and USWNT are expected to wear the new design beginning next year.

On today’s agenda:
1. Paul Goldschmidt sets a personal best
2. Michael Cuddyer could be activated tomorrow
3. The pending return of Jered Weaver
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Paul Goldschmidt sets a personal best
I don’t generally delve into the goings on of superstar type players here in the Roto Riteup, yet I couldn’t resist touching on Goldy’s latest feat. It isn’t his two steals in a game, he’s accomplished that feat three times before, but he now has 19 steals on the year and a new personal single season best. Going back to the 2000 season, he is now tied at fifth with the 2002 seasons from Derrek Lee and Adam Dunn (!!!) at 19 steals from a first baseman with at least 500 plate appearances. For more recent history, Goldschmidt trails Todd Frazier’s 20 steal season last year, though like Dunn before him, he was not a full time first baseman. Ryan Klesko owns the No. 1 and 2 spots with back-to-back 23 steal campaigns in 2000 and 2001. I don’t own Goldy on any of my fantasy teams — which may explain some of my league standings — however I’m now rooting for him to reach 24 steals because I like random baseball trivia.

Michael Cuddyer could be activated tomorrow
After being on the 15-day disabled list since July 22 — and sporadic playing time prior to that — due to a right knee issue, Cuddyer looks primed to rejoin the Mets. Their outfield is a bit crowded after the acquisition of Yoenis Cespedes to man left field. The other corner is locked down Curtis Granderson in the other and Lucas Duda has a hold on first base, so Cuddyer seems like the odd man out in terms of playing time. It’s worth noting Cespedes has made three starts in center field with the Mets, however I’m not sure how long the club can really try him out there as he seems a bit over his head covering so much ground. I could envision Cuddyer playing some 1B/OF when the Mets face a tough left-hander as both Granderson and Duda have struggled against southpaws for their career, but I don’t see a ton of starts ahead of Cuddyer unless there is an injury. He has some power in his bat, it’s just hard to see him holding much value in traditional fantasy leagues. For DFS purposes, he’s a player to trot out against lefties as a budget pick.

The pending return of Jered Weaver
The Angels may activate the 32-year-old hurler on either Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Apparently the club would like to see one more bullpen session from the right-hander. Inflammation in his right hip is what placed Weaver on the DL, though given his ERA, FIP, xFIP and SIERA were all north of 4.75, the breather from facing major league hitters was well timed. Without a fastball and fewer swinging strikes than ever, I don’t see Weaver being an effective starter in all but the deepest of leagues. I know I’ve said that before about him, but really, tossing an 85 mph heater is a risky proposition.

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Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Matt Garza vs SD (Odrisamer Despaigne)
Garza has been touched up by some BABIP and home run sequencing this year, yet I still like him at home against a Padres team that hasn’t fared particularly well against right-handers. One can find Garza free to stream in 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues and over 85 percent of CBS or ESPN formats. 

A pitcher for tomorrow: Aaron Nola at SD (James Shields)
So Nola is already owned in 70 percent of CBS formats, I’m still calling him a stream option because he’s freely available in over 55 percent of ESPN leagues and 75 percent of Yahoo! settings.