Roto Riteup: June 19th, 2012

Today’s Roto Riteup has its’ finest moment at the end, in the recommendations. You can take your inverted pyramid and shove it.

• The first pick of the 2012 MLB Draft has already made his professional for the Houston Astros. Carlos Correa, a shortstop, signed relatively early for below slot money. Combine the new slotting system with an accelerated signing deadline, and this is something we’re going to see more and more often. Earlier MiLB debuts will allow fantasy owners to feast their eyes on how recent draft picks fare against other professional players, as well as possibly allowing teams to promote players through the system a little faster.

• Jered Weaver is scheduled to rejoin the Angels tomorrow. Dan Haren was originally slated to start on Wednesday, but the Angels are going to push him back to Friday, instead. Garrett Richards, who has pitched relatively well during his stint in the big leagues this year, is likely to be bumped back down to the minor leagues. Richards flashed the ability to strike hitters out, but his control and command is what’s going to be the deciding factor in his development.

• Scott Rolen has returned to the Reds after a minor league rehab stint, but there’s no telling what Dusty Baker and the rest of the Cincinnati front office is going to do, what with the emergence of Todd Frazier at the hot corner and all that. Rolen is old, and he has shoulder problems. Todd Frazier is just entering his prime, does not have shoulder problems, and has hit .278 with seven jacks in under 150 plate appearances. Frazier versatility means he could always slide into an outfield while the Reds see if Rolen can get back in the swing of things, and I’d like to think they aren’t going to pull his bat from the lineup when he’s hitting with such prowess.

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 Leake at CLE
I’m still in love with Mike Leake, or at least I’m in love with the idea of him. Getting him away from Cincy is a nice touch.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Francisco Liriano at PIT
Liriano has control problems and could kill your WHIP, but I doubt he gives up a homer, and he should be able to rack up some strikeouts.

A Hitter for Today: Dayan Viciedo vs CHC (Travis Wood)
Viciedo at home against a fly-ball lefty is good eats.