Roto Riteup: Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

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August 31, 2011

– Since Ichiro Suzuki’s batting average hit .260 on July 20th, he has really bounced back, at least from a fantasy perspective. The outfielder has hit .314 over his past 36 games, stealing 10 bases in the process. Ichiro has always had high BABIPs, so a .333 mark during this stretch feels just about right. Owners are likely to be down on Ichiro in drafts next year, but he could probably hit close to .300 with 30 steals for yet another season if his recent success to is to believed.

– Granted it was against the Giants, but Randy Wells performed very well(s) on Monday. His changeup was working wonders, and he was locating it right below the strike zone. Wells struggled mightily after starting the season on the DL, giving up homers left and right and failing to post good K/BB numbers. Now, he’s still having problems with homers, but at least his K/BB rate is more than acceptable. Deep NL-only owners should give Wells a try, but he not be available after Monday’s start.

– It sounds like Shin-Soo Choo’s season may be over due to a strained oblique on his left side. Choo’s season was all but lost long ago, when he struggled at the plate, got arrested, and landed on the DL. He’s flashed his normal power since returning from the DL, although it was a small sample and his strikeout rate was worrisome.

– If you’re looking for players who could be undervalued next year due to their BABIP, Evan Longoria, Carlos Santana and Ian Kinsler are good candidates.

A Pitcher For Today: Rodrigo Lopez at SFG
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Giants can’t hit. Lopez is an extremely mediocre pitcher, but whatever, he’s got a chance to give you five innings while only surrendering a run or two.

A Pitcher For Tomorrow: Jacob Turner vs KC
Turner could be a Tigers’ rotation mainstay starting next season, but for now, he’s being used to give the rest of the starters a rest. His stuff is quite good, so I’d be willing to take a chance on him against the Royals.

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PickSix Lock of the Day: Matt Kemp ($40.50) vs SDP (Wade LeBlanc)
LeBlanc has a high FB% and pitches with his left hand. I think that says it all right there.
Prediction: 2-4, HR; 16.6 points
Last Week’s Predictions: 4 players, $52, 37.4 pts
All Past Predictions: 17 players, $273.50, 105.5 pts





 

Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.

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Telo2
14 years ago

You predicted Howard to have 2 HR’s yesterday. That is unbelievable. I love sabermetrics. Pat yourself on the shoulder!!

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