Roto Riteup — Presented By DraftKings: May 20, 2014

Today is “Be a Millionaire Day.” Hey, it could happen, after all, I’ve got a dream.

On today’s agenda:
1. Alex Cobb to potentially return Thursday
2. The usefulness of Yan Gomes
3. Kole Calhoun’s looming return
4. CC Sabathia out until July
5. The Daily Five

Alex Cobb to potentially return Thursday
The Tampa Bay Rays are most likely activating Cobb from the 15-day disabled list in order for him to take the hill on Thursday. As Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports, Cobb threw a bullpen yesterday and was deemed fit to return to the starting rotation. It is highly unlikely that Cobb is available in your league but feel free to check. Even if you were anxiously awaiting his return, I’d hold off on starting Cobb right away. He’ll face the Oakland Athletics, the team that leads the league with a collective 122 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. Between the long stint on the DL and being throw up against a tough lineup, as much as I like Cobb I’ll be leaving him on my bench.

The usefulness of Yan Gomes
As someone who tends to mostly punt the catcher position in favor of a bigger budget/different draft picks elsewhere, I’ve been a big fan of Gomes since last season. After his successful .294/.345/.481 line last year I had Gomes tagged in several leagues as a draft target. Acknowledging his .342 BABIP last season, I still thought he could contribute with solid power numbers and a batting average that wouldn’t sink my team. Following a pedestrian April where he posted a 97 wRC+, May is being much kinder to Gomes. Prior to yesterday’s 3-for-5 game Gomes was hitting a solid 150 wRC+ this month. While walks and on-base percentage will never be Gomes’ calling card, he does offer some pop and should post an average in the .265 neighborhood. With a good chance at 20 homers, Gomes is exactly the type of player I love to hunt for: cheap, effective and useful. He is available in just 27% of CBS leagues but is free to grab in over 40% of Yahoo! formats and 75% of ESPN leagues.

Kole Calhoun’s looming return
After suffering a badly sprained ankle, it appears as though another one of my personal favorites in Calhoun is close to returning to action. Currently 9-for-17 — including two doubles, a triple and a home run — in Triple-A, Calhoun appears ready to return to the Angels outfield. Expect a solid average and a useful OBP from Calhoun, all while hitting atop the lineup. With some big boppers behind him, look for him to score a very good amount of runs as well. Calhoun is owned in 75% of CBS formats, but is available in over 50% of Yahoo! leagues and an amazing 90% of ESPN leagues.

CC Sabathia out until July
The New York Yankees will be without Sabathia for at least six weeks according to general manager Brian Cashman. Other than a 5.28 ERA, Sabathia was having a strong season according the underlying numbers. Go check out the handsome and brilliant Mike Petriello’s take on Sabathia for further analysis. Those of us looking for a bounce-back fantasy season from CC after a rough 2013 season will have to keep waiting until next year.

The Daily Five
Starting pitcher: Masahiro Tanaka — $12,200
Is that a lot for one player? Absolutely, but Tanaka should be worth it. He faces off against the Chicago Cubs and their 29th ranked 74 wRC+ and 25th ranked 22.6% strikeout rate against right-handed hurlers.

Starting pitcher: Doug Fister — $6,800
Fister was roughed up in his Nationals debut but settle down against the Diamondbacks in his second start. The visiting Cincinnati Reds don’t hit righties particularly well and Fister is pretty cheap.

Infielder: John Jaso — $4,300
My Oakland A’s are visiting the Rays and face right-hander Jake Odorizzi. Jaso sports a 158 wRC+ against opposite-handed pitchers this season.

Outfielder: Brandon Moss — $4,900
Moss is currently sitting on a 169 wRC+ against righties this year and has 13 hits in his past seven games.

Other hitter: Brandon Crawford — $4,000
Crawford has three homers and is hitting .370/.453/.739 against left-handed pitchers. He and the San Francisco Giants head to Coors Field to take on Franklin Morales and his fly ball tendencies. I’m not one to buy into reverse platoon splits, especially given the 53 PA sample size, but for only $4,000, Crawford is worth a shot.

Remaining budget: $17,800

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