Roto Riteup — Presented By DraftKings: June 10, 2014

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the final episode of “The Sopranos.” The last episode wasn’t at all what I expected — particularly the final scene — though I still find myself going back and watching select episodes of the show.

On today’s agenda:
1. Lonnie Chisenhall’s big day
2. Strong game from Scott Van Slyke
3. Michael Cuddyer to the disabled list
4. Grégory Polanco gets the call
5. The daily five

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Lonnie Chisenhall’s big day
Yesterday Chisenhall blasted three home runs and nine RBIs en route to his 5-for-5 day. With a .420 BABIP and a .385/.429/.615 line — both which are sure to drop — in 181 plate appearances, he now owns a 196 wRC+. He is eligible at both first and third base to add a bit of flexibility to your lineup. He is mostly owned both CBS and ESPN leagues (both above 75%) but is available in 45% of Yahoo! formats.

Strong game from Scott Van Slyke
Not to be outshone, Van Slyke had himself a heck of a day at the plate as well. He managed to go 3-for-3 with a pair of dingers plus two walks. Van Slyke hasn’t been as hot as Chisenhall, however he is hitting a fantastic .278/.435/.625 in 92 PA’s. With Carl Crawford on the disabled list and without a timetable for his return, Van Slyke could see some extra time in the outfield. In addition to spending time at all three outfield positions, he has also started at first base three times this season. I don’t love his game — and his .350 BABIP won’t last too long — but he does have power and will draw his walks. Last season across both Triple-A and the big leagues he cracked 19 home runs as well as back-to-back 20 home run seasons in the minors/big leagues in 2011-12. He may have a spot in on-base percentage leagues though I have concerns about regular playing time over the course of the season. If you’re looking for a short term OBP boost, Van Slyke can be grabbed in virtually all leagues across the three major fantasy sites.

Michael Cuddyer to the disabled list
After being activated from his previous DL stint for barely two weeks, Cuddyer is once again on the shelf. The Colorado Rockies placed him on the 15-day DL, this time with a shoulder injury. According to Patrick Saunders, Cuddyer will miss at least six weeks dealing with this injury. With Carlos Gonzalez already on the disabled list, Drew Stubbs will probably be pressed into full time service. Stubbs still has plenty of speed and I like him to hit at home, but if he is away from Coors Field I’d say keep him on your bench unless he’s facing a left-handed pitcher.

Grégory Polanco gets the call
The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up prized outfield prospect Polanco in the wake of Neil Walker’s trip to the DL. Josh Harrison will shift to second base to replace Walker and thus opens the spot in right field for Polanco. Prior to his call up, Polanco was hitting a cool .347/.405/.540 with seven home runs and 15 steals in Triple-A. With no word on whether or not this move is temporary, Polanco offers the type of talent to make an immediate impact. I’d make a play and grab him now if he is available, although Polanco is already owned in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues, 70% of ESPN formats and almost 90% of CBS leagues.

The daily five
Starting pitcher: Corey Kluber — $10,700
The amazing Kluber takes on the not-that-amazing Kansas City Royals and their 82 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

Starting pitcher: A.J. Burnett — $7,400
Burnett and his control issues will face off against the visiting San Diego Padres, a club with their 76 wRC+ against righties, second worst in baseball.

Infielder: Wilin Rosario — $4,000
I like the Rockies at home against the southpaw Mike Minor. I really like Minor as a pitcher. That being said, Coors Field is a tough place to pitch, especially given the Rockies have blasted lefties to the tune of a 111 wRC+, fifth best in the league.

Outfielder: Drew Stubbs — $3,800
Another Rockies players with a good price tag.

Other hitter: Kyle Blanks — $2,700
A bit of a budget pick, Blanks and the Oakland Athletics will see lefty Hector Santiago today. For his career Blanks owns a 112 wRC+ against opposite-handed pitchers.

Remaining budget: $21,400

This post, covering one of the leading sites for daily fantasy, is sponsored and made possible by the generous support of DraftKings. FanGraphs maintains complete editorial control of the postings, and brings you these posts in a continued desire to provide the best analytical information on the latest in baseball.





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

9 Comments
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Black Donnie
9 years ago

Wow a .420 babip is sure to drop? I hadn’t realized that. I had assumed Chisenhal would hit .385 going forward. That is great insight on what I can expect from him in the future.

Coop!
9 years ago
Reply to  Black Donnie

You should get your money back.

zk
9 years ago
Reply to  David Wiers

Don’t feed the trolls.