Roto Riteup — Presented By DraftKings: June 29, 2014

Ten years ago today the pop punk group Midtown released their third album titled “Forget What You Know.” I didn’t like it as much as their first two albums, “Save the World, Lose the Girl” and “Living Well is the Best Revenge” but I do like the track Is it me? Is it true? My favorite track by them will always be Like a Movie.

On today’s agenda:
1. Mookie Betts gets the call
2. Bryce Harper’s return?
3. Another quality start from Marcus Stroman
4. The daily five

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Mookie Betts gets the call
Just over a week ago yours truly (inaccurately) predicted we wouldn’t see Betts until late this season. Now that I’m totally wrong there and with his promotion, expect Betts to play regularly. Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell told reports he expects Betts to appear mostly in center and right field. As of right now Betts is shortstop eligible in my custom leagues for CBS (37% ownership), Yahoo!  (25%) and ESPN (0%) and should be grabbed wherever possible. Standard CBS formats have him at CF as does ESPN. His SS eligibility in standard Yahoo! leagues — not to mention his soon-to-be outfield eligibility — is great and it would be amazing if Betts got enough starts/appearances at short to make him eligible there for next year.

Bryce Harper’s return?
After blasting three home runs as designated hitter during his 4-for-5 day in Double-A yesterday, Harper could rejoin the Washington Nationals as soon as tomorrow. The club didn’t announce anything specific, but skipper Matt Williams said the decision will wait until later today after Harper plays a full game in the field. If you happen to own Harper in a weekly league I would feel comfortable giving him the start and playing him all week.

Another quality start from Marcus Stroman
In the wake of yesterday’s 6.2 inning, two-run game, Stroman has lowered his pitching line to 4.01 ERA/3.40 FIP/3.54 xFIP.  He scattered a pair of walks and two hits from the visiting Chicago White Sox and sat down six on strikes. Only seven out of 95 pitches generated whiffs but it was enough to leave with the lead. Ultimately Stroman was charged the runs after Dustin McGowan served up a home run to Dayan Viciedo, but Stroman was responsible for the runners. A double from Jose Abreu and a walk to Adam Dunn is nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the seventh inning. Since being moved to the rotation Stroman has posted six QS out of seven starts. The 23-year-old hurler has a tough task in facing the A’s his next time out, but after that start I like Stroman quite a bit. He is available to be picked up in just 33% of CBS leagues but is on the waiver wire/free agency in 80% of Yahoo! formats and 94% of ESPN leagues.

The daily five
Starting pitcher: Alex Cobb — $8,200
Cobb faces off against the Baltimore Orioles, a club that has hit an effective albeit uninspiring 98 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

Starting pitcher: Aaron Harang — $7,100
I don’t love Harang but I love him against the Philadelphia Phillies today, a team that has the third lowest wRC+ against righties.

Infielder: James Loney — $3,700
The left-handed Loney should have a strong day against the right-hander Miguel Gonzalez.

Outfielder: Carlos Gomez — $4,600
The Milwaukee Brewers and Gomez get the southpaw Jorge de la Rosa today. The Brewers have the seventh best team wRC+ against lefties and Gomez in particular has a 155 wRC+ against them this season.

Other hitter: Jonathan Lucroy — $4,500
Another righty Milwaukee hitter.

Remaining budget: $21,900

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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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The Flaming FIPs
9 years ago

Betts is only outfield eligible on ESPN. Bummer.

HermidaPotential
9 years ago

Likewise, only 2B on CBS.

The Flaming FIPs
9 years ago
Reply to  David Wiers

Too bad for me. All I’ve got at short is Glass Joe (Hanley).