Roto Riteup: September 4, 2015
Seventeen years ago today a little company named Google got started. It’s still a bit of a niche company, so I wouldn’t blame you if haven’t heard of it just yet.
On today’s agenda:
1. Corey Seager got called up
2. Domingo Santana’s power
3. Streaming Pitching Options
Corey Seager got called up
The Dodgers promoted the 21-year-old shortstop/third base prospect yesterday. With Enrique Hernandez on the shelf and Ken Rosenthal reporting Jose Peraza is going to be sidelined for anywhere from three to five games, the Dodgers needed a shortstop. That Seager is possibly the best shortstop prospect in the minors since Carlos Correa got called up suits Dodgers fans and Seager fans just fine. Despite hitting eighth in his debut, Seager is still one to own as his talent level is just about off the charts. Our own Kiley McDaniel rated Seager as sixth best prospect in baseball before the season and the top midseason prospect. He is already owned in 55 percent of CBS leagues, however Seager is available in 75 percent of Yahoo! formats and over 85 percent of ESPN settings.
Domingo Santana’s power
Speaking of young prospects, Santana is 23 and cracked his sixth big league home run of the season in 85 plate appearances on Thursday. Yeah, he’s striking out at a cover-your-eyes-bad 34.5 percent rate and whiffing at an oh-won’t-someone-please-think-of-the-children 14.5 percent clip (not counting whiffing at three pitches in Thursday’s contest), but the ability to drive the ball is there. The right-handed hitter has popped 24 home runs across Triple-A and the show this season, as well as going yard 25 times last year at Double-A and 23 times in 2013 while at High-A ball. The Brewers are giving him plenty of time in center field, yet it should be noted Santana has been moved to one of the corners in the later innings seven out of eight times he’s started in center. Defensive question marks aside, the Brew Crew seem sent to get his bat into the lineup in the final month of the season, so you may has well take advantage of the potential for dingers. Throughout the minors Santana did his best damage against southpaws, posting a .908 OPS against them, though he did own a very good .872 OPS when facing off against a righty. For a late season power play, I like Santana as a cheap DFS option or in deep traditional leagues. Look to play him in 90 percent of CBS formats and over 97 percent of either ESPN or Yahoo! leagues.
Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.
A pitcher for today: Joe Kelly vs PHI (Adam Morgan)
The Phillies aren’t a particularly scary lineup as they rank 29th in both wOBA and wRC+ against right-handers. Kelly is free to stream in almost 60 percent of CBS settings and more than 75 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! formats.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Brad Hand vs NYM (Bartolo Colon)
It’s a pretty gruesome day for stream options despite the full slate. I’m opting with Hand against a Mets offense that hasn’t hit against southpaws too well. Hand can be found available in more than 90 percent of the three major fantasy sites, though he is an admittedly risky play.
You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.
For what it’s worth, I think moving Santana to a corner outfield spot has less to do with his defensive limitations and more to do with the defensive limitations of Khris Davis.
That’s a good point. Santana has only played RF once after starting CF; he’s been moved to Davis’ spot five times.
Thanks for brightening my Friday morning with your remarks Dave. The Google reference was funny enough but I loved the “…oh won’t somebody please think of the children…” remark even more.
It’s greatly appreciated in a week where I’ve had to deal with a kidney
stone. Laughter is indeed the best medicine.
I’m going to try Kelly today. Sounds like a good bet. Kluber, Richards and Severino are going to have to come through for me (Arrieta tomorrow) or I’ll likely be elminated from the playoffs in the first round.
David: I’m in a 14 team keeper league. 14 keepers. Right now I’m using Santana as my primary 3B but he won’t be 3B eligible next year. So that leaves me only with Plouffe or Lawrie as my 3B options for next year. Walks matter (1.2 points/walk) so Plouffe has the clear edge. Do you see Sano taking over the job at 3B next year, leaving me without a 3B for 2017?
I’ve tried to make a trade but the best offer I got was Moose for Arrieta, but I declined. And I don’t plan to revisit that trade after the season. I don’t see a whole lot of difference between Moustakas and Plouffe—not enough to give up an ace like Arrieta.
Thanks for a great season of streaming options if I don’t advance.
First off, thanks for the kind words. We really appreciate em. Also, oof, you have my sympathy. A friend had to pass some stones once and well, it was a tough time.
Yeah, I think Sano is the heir apparent at third base, though he may be more of a 1B type given his build. I think Plouffe gets enough starts at third next year to keep his eligibility in 2017.
What do we make of Jedd Gyorko at this point? He’s 9th in wRC+ among 2B in the second half and is tied with Cano for the most HR and RBI. His plate discipline still sucks, but it’s not outrageously bad if he hits for that kind of power. He also has SS eligibility now in CBS. Potential help down the stretch or sleeper for next year?
I’d pick him up and plug him in at SS, but that’s more indicative of the blackhole SS has been than an endorsement for Gyorko. That said, his poor rate stats shouldn’t move the needle on your season much in these final weeks, and his power is legit.
As for being a sleeper, at short, I’d agree. If he goes for another 23 home season like in 2013, even with a .250 AVG he’s probably a top 10 SS or so.
OT but looking for SS help for the playoffs next week. Currently i have HanRam and Baez as my only two options in H2H points league where the lineups lock for the week at first pitch on monday. Will either get enough PT to justify locking them in for the whole week? Or should i look elsewhere?
Waiver options include E.and Y. Escobar, Suarez, Asdrubal, Flores and Alexei Ramirez
Dropable options Baez, Maybin (Provided at least one of Stanton/Springer can play next week), Odorizzi, Lackey and McHugh.
Thanks!
I’d probably pick up Eugenio Suarez to be sure. Hanley’s shoulder worries me and as much as I like Baez, it’s hard to know his playing time.
I’d drop Maybin or Odorizzi.
Would you do Ray or Lamb over Hand?
Sorry for the late reply.
I’d go Lamb > Ray > Hand