Roto Riteup — Presented By DraftKings: August 10, 2014

If it weren’t for the DVDs/season five, today would mark the 11-year anniversary of “Futurama” being finished. The episode The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Play Things was almost the series finale. Thankfully this was not the case as “Futurama” is still one of my favorite shows.

On today’s agenda:
1. A concussion sidelines Brian McCann
2. Ubaldo Jimenez returns
3. A bounce back start from James Paxton
4. The daily five

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A concussion sidelines Brian McCann
After taking a foul ball off the face mask in Friday’s game, the New York Yankees catcher was feeling foggy. The club had him examined by a neurologist yesterday morning then made the decision to place him on the seven-day disabled list. The only hint of any good news to this it is the fact the club is calling it a “mild concussion.” If you’re scrambling for catcher help, try one of the catchers in Oakland. Between Derek Norris, John Jaso and Stephen Vogt, the A’s have three catcher eligible players. They’ll platoon with each other — or Vogt in the outfield — and Jaso’s 121 wRC+ is the lowest of the group. Another part-time catcher who is quietly having a solid season is Chris Iannetta. Currently sporting a .268/.372/.423 line in 253 plate appearances, Iannetta offers a great on-base percentage. I wouldn’t expect his average to flirt with .270 for much longer, not with his absurd .359 BABIP, however he still has plenty to offer in OBP leagues.

Ubaldo Jimenez returns
Not to downplay the significance of his return from injury, it’s just Jimenez doesn’t offer a ton in terms of fantasy value in anything but the deepest of leagues. He posted a quality start (barely), giving up three earned runs in six innings yesterday while striking out five. Jimenez induced eight swinging strikes on 93 pitches yesterday though he did allow three walks. Prior to yesterday his 6.7% swinging strike rate ranked 110 out of 120 starters with at least 90 innings pitched. One bright spot is Brooks Baseball showed his average four-seamer was 91 mph, a slight tick faster than what he posted earlier in the year. Overall I’m not terribly excited about the idea of putting Jimenez on my fantasy squad, but if you’re desperate for the strikeouts he’ll give you, he is available in 70% of CBS formats, 75% of Yahoo! leagues and over 90% of ESPN leagues.

A bounce back start from James Paxton
Here is someone I could get excited about putting on my fantasy squad. Although he lasted just 6.1 innings in his start yesterday, Paxton required a mere 77 pitches to make it that far. He coaxed an impressive 11 whiffs throughout the day, striking out four and not surrendering a walk. Paxton scattered six hits and allowed just one run on the day, bringing his numbers to 2.38 ERA/3.58 FIP/2.36 xFIP in 22.2 innings. One can pick him up in just 33% of CBS leagues whereas he can be grabbed in 68% of Yahoo! leagues and 78% of ESPN formats. Given his prospect pedigree and upside, I much prefer Paxton over Jimenez.

The daily five
Starting pitcher: Johnny Cueto — $9,900
Cueto gets to face the Miami Marlins, owners of the 20th ranked 91 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

Starting pitcher: Alex Cobb — $8,300
Going up against the Chicago Cubs and their inability to hit. Yes, recent call ups will help the Northsiders but they aren’t quite there yet. Outside of Rizzo, I don’t see Cobb struggling today.

Infielder: Adrian Beltre — $4,200
The Texas Rangers aren’t particularly good, though they are decent against left-handed pitching. Specifically, Beltre crushes southpaws and he gets to face off against a lefty in Dallas Keuchel.

Outfielder: Brett Gardner — $4,800
Gardner holds the platoon advantage over Carlos Carrasco. The 27-year-old Carrasco can handle right-handed hitters well enough, however lefties are hitting for a .364 wOBA against him over his career.

Other hitter: Kole Calhoun — $3,300
Calhoun may become an auto-pick for me when he is up against a right-handed pitcher. He is posting a 136 wRC+ against righties this season and today he is up against a righty in Rubby de la Rosa.

Remaining budget: $19,500

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You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.

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Michael S
9 years ago

For ROS stats, how do these three rank?

Everth Cabrera
Jhonny Peralta
Jean Segura

Thanks!

Mike W
9 years ago
Reply to  Michael S

How you have them listed. Cabrera seems healthy and running again. Peralta will give you decent power numbers from the position. Segura seems lost at the plate and is far and away my least favorite of the three.