Roto Riteup — Presented by DraftKings: April 4, 2014

Today is the 16th anniversary of the debut of the show “Catdog” on Nickelodeon. I remember watching this as a kid and while it was never a favorite, it did often make me wonder how Catdog was able to go the bathroom.

On today’s agenda:
1. Alejandro De Aza’s power
2. An announcement of an announcement for the New York Mets
3. Michael Bourn begins rehab assignment
4. The Daily Five

Alejandro De Aza’s power
Even after popping 17 dingers last season, I didn’t see De Aza as much of a power type. He is beginning to sway my opinion as he is now up to three home runs out of four hits this year. De Aza won’t continue this pace, but if he matches his rates from last year he could be in for his first 20-20 season. If you play in an ESPN league, don’t expect De Aza to be available, however he is free to grab in over 40% of both CBS and Yahoo! leagues.

An announcement of an announcement for the New York Mets
As an esports fan, I am no stranger to teaser announcements, hints at announcements and yes, the occasional announcement of an announcement. It seems as though esports culture has leaked into the mainstream yet again as Terry Collins, manager of the New York Mets, spoke with reporters and claimed that he will pick one first baseman at some point today. The scoop is that Collins will tab Lucas Duda, leaving Ike Davis and Josh Satin to fight for playing time. If Duda is the one to grab the job, he is suddenly relevant in deep mixed leagues. His highest ownership rate among the three major sites is 13% at CBS.

Michael Bourn begins rehab assignment
The Cleveland Indians sent Bourn to his Triple-A rehab assignment yesterday. He’s scheduled to play center field for seven innings today and nine innings tomorrow, though inclement weather may play a factor. If the field is too wet, be it postponed or just a less than ideal field, the club may have Bourn sit out a game. He is eligible to come off of the 15-day disabled list Monday and should the weather be good, he may very well do so. Bourn and his 40+ steals are available in over 35% of CBS and Yahoo! formats, though his ESPN ownership rate is over 90%.

The daily five
Starting pitcher: Danny Salazar — $8,800
Last year the Twins posted the second highest strikeout rate in the league. Look for a big day from everyone favorite sleeper/not a sleeper anymore.

Starting pitcher: Hyun-Jin Ryu — $8,700
Ryu’s has good stuff and posted a 3.09 home xFIP versus his 3.89 away xFIP. I like the South Korean (bias alert!) in his home opener.

Infielder: Anthony Rizzo — $4,500
Rizzo will be facing the well traveled veteran right-hander in Roberto Hernandez today. For Hernandez’s career, lefty hitters have a .356 wOBA against him and Rizzo should be able to tee off.

Outfielder: Bryce Harper — $4,600
I love Harper against just about any right-handed starter, but especially one with less than 15 big league innings under his belt in David Hale.

Other hitter: Mark Trumbo — $4,600
Trumbo’s power + being in Coors Field + facing off against Juan Nicasio = lots of potential for a home run.

Remaining budget: $18,800 on five players.
An expensive day, but hopefully the return on investment is there.

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