Roto Riteup: June 26, 2015
Today’s Roto Riteup was written while the film Whiplash played in the background. And by that I mean I procrastinated writing this and watched Whiplash, as it was my favorite film of 2014.
On today’s agenda:
1. Welcome to The Show, Steven Matz
2. Dustin Pedroia to the disabled list
3. Buying Adam Eaton
4. Streaming Pitching Options
Welcome to The Show, Steven Matz
The Mets top left-handed pitching prospect and number 65 overall according to our own Kiley McDaniel was given the call yesterday. Matz will join the big league club as part of a six man rotation, but there is no telling how long the Mets will stick with the non-traditional staff this time around. Regardless of how he’s utilized in the real world, Matz should be picked up in just about any league. Owner of a strikeout to walk rate above 3 and a 2.19 ERA — with 3.43 FIP — in Triple-A, Matz and his strong ground ball rate should be ready to contribute solid fantasy numbers immediately. He’s already owned in 70 percent of CBS formats, however Matz can be picked up in almost 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues and 80 percent of ESPN settings.
Dustin Pedroia to the disabled list
The Red Sox moved their second baseman to the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain. As the linked article notes, Brock Holt is likely to see the majority of playing time in Pedroia’s stead. I touched on how much I like Holt’s game just over a week ago and nothing has happened to change my opinion on him. The only change since then was his ownership rate has skyrocketed and now sits at over 50 percent in ESPN and Yahoo! leagues as well as 70 percent in CBS formats.
Buying Adam Eaton
I’m generally hesitant to quote monthly splits, but after a poor opening month — and a follow up month — Eaton has turned things around in June. As one may suspect given the volatility of monthly splits, BABIP has played a significant role. The table below represents Eaton’s numbers prior to yesterday’s 2-for-5 day with a walk and his fourth home run of the year.
| BABIP | BB% | K% | wRC+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | .234 | 6.0% | 16.9% | 34 |
| May | .302 | 6.8% | 16.2% | 101 |
| June | .333 | 8.8% | 14.3% | 118 |
| Career | .292 | 7.9% | 15.6% | 102 |
Compared to his career numbers, Eaton has been drawing more walks as of late while trimming down his strikeouts just a notch. Other than the obvious small sample size caveats, Eaton has shown progression in his offensive abilities thus far. The left-handed hitter still struggles when facing southpaws, however he’s displayed enough strides to be playable against right-handed pitchers in most leagues. Given both ZiPS and Steamer project about a .270 average going forward and an on-base percentage between .330-40, as well as his position as a leadoff hitter, I like Eaton quite a bit as a second half resurgence. He’s free to pick up in over 60 percent of Yahoo! or CBS settings and more than 80 percent of ESPN leagues.
Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.
A pitcher for today: Alex Colome vs BOS (Rick Porcello)
The Red Sox have hit right-handers fairly well this season, but the Trop is a tough place to score runs. Colome can be streamed in over 85 percent of the three major fantasy sites.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Tim Lincecum vs COL (Chris Rusin)
It’s a day game after a night game, so I’m hoping the Rockies rest some of their tougher hitters. Even if they don’t, the club hasn’t hit very well on the road. Lincecum is free to utilize in over 30 percent of CBS leagues and over 50 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN settings.
You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.
Would you drop Latos to pick up Matz? I could also drop Latos to pick up the recently dropped Collin McHugh so those would be my two main options.
Depends on how strong your rotation is. I think Matz ofers the greatest upside, but given the bust rate on these guys it’s possible you’ll get burned. I think you know what to expect from Latos, which is just OK production. McHugh is last for me, but watch to see what his slider looks like.
McHugh > Matz > Latos, but the last two are close.
Thoughts on Anderson’s start vs Baltimore tomorrow?
The O’s will swing and miss, but it’s still too risky of a start for me unless you’re desperate for K’s.
Better stream: Trevor May @ Milwaukee or Matt Shoemaker vs. SEA?
I would go with May. Shoemaker has the better matchup, especially with Cruz and Seager slumping along with Cano being bad for most of the year, but May is just the safer play to me. Shoemaker could go 7 strong and strike out 8, but he also could go 4 innings and give up 6 runs.
May is just safer even if the upside may not be as high.
Shoemaker for me. Both Seattle and Milwaukee rank near the bottom of teams when facing a right-handed pitcher, but Safeco is the better park to pitch in.
Given that both guys are extreme fly ball pitchers, I’ll take the park where it’s harder to hit dingers.
Thoughts on Chad Bettis as a streamer tonight? His peripherals appear to support his stats. Is there another pitcher that jumps out to you as a solid streamer on Sat or Sun?
No to Bettis tonigt. The Giants demolish righties with a top-5 wRC+ and wOBA.
If he gets the start on Sunday, go with Matz at home vs CIN.
I need to free up a DL spot for Rendon (again ugh) so I need to drop either Matt Moore or Iwakuma as my stashable pitchers. Who do you see as the better bet going forward?
Also, who is the better CI replacement for Rendon, Lawrie, Moreland or Forsythe?
Man, uh, I guess drop Iwakuma? He’s quite a bit older and shoulder injuries scare me more than elbow.
Forsythe for Rendon’s replacement here.
Whiplash—-
J.K. Simmons was just spectacular. Driven, intense, manipulative, and warped, he was impeccable in the role and an easy choice for the Oscar. (Hope it doesn’t hurt his Farmers Insurance commercials…..). Though I really disliked the character, the performance and the movie have staying power in my head……hmmmm…….
David, who do you like between McHugh and Rubby De La Rosa in a 12 team mixed roto and it’s impossible to gain 12 points in roto? Thanks!