Roto Riteup — Presented By DraftKings: September 9, 2014

Nineteen years ago today marked the beginning of the original run of “Pinky and the Brain” standalone episodes. They first debuted as a bit on the “Animaniacs” and gained popularity there. The Pinky and the Brain theme song is something I doubt I’ll ever forget.

On today’s agenda:
1. Curtis Granderson’s (small) hitting streak
2. I believe in Dioner Navarro
3. Welcome back, Michael Cuddyer
4. The daily five

Curtis Granderson’s (small) hitting streak
After going 1-for-3 with a walk in yesterday’s game, Granderson now owns a modest four game hitting streak. He’s gone deep twice in those four games and has tacked on a double as well as a triple. Factor in his three walks and Granderson has reached based nine times in his past 18 trips to the plate. Besides the obvious small sample size caveats, at least it is nice to see him hitting for extra-bases again. Prior to this recent hot streak his last XBH was a home run on August 22. Granderson had a not useless .237/.346/.422 ( 14 HR, 121 wRC+) line in 387 plate appearances in the first half of the season however a brutal month of August torpedo’d his stats. Hitting just .147/.231/.183 in 121 PAs caused many owners to abandon ship on him. If his struggles in the previous month are behind him, Granderson makes for a decent power play down the stretch. He’s available in just 20% of CBS formats however he’s free to grab in 45% of both ESPN and Yahoo! leagues.

I believe in Dioner Navarro
Since 2012, Navarro ranks 10th best among catchers (a minimum of 800 PAs) with a 114 wRC+ and ninth with a .340 wOBA. His .289 batting average over that time rates fifth best and his .336 OBP is tied for 12th best. Factor in his 27 home runs (tied for 21st) and you have a very useful fantasy baseball player. Navarro has largely flown under my radar after he posted three brutal consecutive seasons spanning from 2009-11 where a 65 wRC+ was his high water mark. His current three year offensive torrent is buoyed by his magnificent rate stats from last season, but it was in just 266 PAs. This year he has come back down to earth, however he is still a very viable catching option. Despite his success, Navarro is owned in just 54% of CBS leagues and less than 35% of Yahoo! and ESPN formats.

Welcome back, Michael Cuddyer
Once again the Colorado Rockies activated Cuddyer from the 15-day disabled list and once again he delivered. His return to action was highlighted by his solo home run, just his seventh dinger of the year. Cuddyer has spent three separate stints on the DL and despite the great rate stats of .328/.377/.560, his inability to stay on the field has put a huge dent in his value. If you’re looking for help in the outfield or first base, give Cuddyer a shot. No guarantees he finishes the season healthy, but if he does, his bat can certainly help your team. One can pick up Cuddyer in 35% of CBS and Yahoo! formats plus over 55% of ESPN leagues. I prefer Cuddyer over Granderson, as neither is terribly healthy but Cuddyer plays in a much friendlier hitting environment.

The daily five
Starting pitcher: Jon Lester — $12,000
The left-handed Lester will look to get the Oakland A’s back on track. He’ll be facing the Chicago White Sox and their 21st ranked 94 wRC+ against southpaws.

Starting pitcher: Chris Archer — $8,700
I like Archer against the New York Yankees, owners of the 21st rated offense as per wRC+ against right-handed pitchers.

Infielder: Lucas Duda — $4,400
Duda will be against Christian Bergman who’s ERA/FIP/xFIP are all close to 5.00.

Outfielder: Michael Bourn — $3,900
I’m a big fan of Bourn today as he’ll hold the platoon advantage over Trevor May.

Other hitter: Kirk Nieuwenhuis — $3,500
In just 96 PA’s this season, Nieuwenhuis has hit .275/.375/.538 against righties. His career average is just .258/.328/.430 but the price is right.

Remaining budget: $17,500

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