Roto Riteup: July 15, 2013

Today’s Roto Riteup was penned while the author watched the end of Brandon Workman’s no-hit bid.

On today’s agenda:
1. Justin Smoak and Lonnie Chisenhall
2. Matt Garza and his likely destinations

Justin Smoak and Lonnie Chisenhall
Smoak and Chisenhall were both highly touted prospects who have largely struggled against major league pitching. However, both top prospects seemed to have found some life lately.

Smoak, in 21 games post-DL: 85 PA, .320/.400/.587, 5 HR, 9 BB, 16 K; .352 BABIP
Chisenhall, in 21 games post-minors: 77 PA, .292/.338/.514, 3 HR, 5 BB, 12 K; .316 BABIP

Smoak’s improvements are visible in his swing, not just his numbers, but I have not seen enough of Chisenhall to comment on his situation. Even if both of these gents can’t keep this up 100%, it’s a good sign that their careers may be back on track.

Matt Garza and his likely destinations
It’s been made pretty clear that the Cubs will be trading Matt Garza within the next few days, or at the very least before the trade deadline. Garza hasn’t had an ERA over 4.00 since 2006 despite playing against the Yankees and Red Sox quite frequently, so while moving will alter his fantasy value, it remains to see how much it truly will.

Garza’s most likely destination is the Rangers. The Rangers are currently one of the two Wild Card teams, but their rotation has been decimated by injuries. Matt Harrison, Colby Lewis and Neftali Feliz have both pretty much been out all year, and Alexi Ogando hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the mound. Both Derek Holland and Yu Darvish are quality playoff starters, but adding Garza to the mix would make them even scarier. Having to pitch in Texas could be slightly problematic for Garza, since he has been susceptible to dingers in much friendly parks.

Coming in second right now is the Toronto Blue Jays, who are currently below .500 and about 10 games out of the playoff hunt. Like Texas, Garza could struggle in Toronto, but I don’t see him ending up north of the border.

Another possibility is the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles already acquired Scott Feldman from the Cubs to help sure up their rotation, but they could still use another quality arm to help them catch the Rays and Rangers. Just like Texas and Toronto, Baltimore isn’t a friendly ballpark.

Among all the teams looking into Garza, his best fit may be with the Cleveland Indians. The Indians ballpark isn’t a bandbox, and the Tribe has been able to put a solid defense around their pitchers. If you own Garza, root for him to go to Cleveland.

My unofficial HR Derby pick that could change before the ceremonies begin: Prince Fielder