Taking Advantage of the Week 10 Schedule

Next week is the last full one of the MLB season! Sheesh has the season gone quickly. We still have make-up games to be played so four teams will be playing eight games apiece. Remember that this isn’t as much of a boost as it would have been in previous seasons, as doubleheaders last just seven innings, so each extra game via doubleheader means just five more innings, rather than nine. In addition, a doubleheader might give a manager an opportunity to rest a player you think is a regular, completely canceling out the supposed advantage of the extra game(s). In fact, that could actually hurt, because the game they actually played was two innings less. Still, when you are teetering between two hitters, the extra game(s) could be the deciding factor on who to start for the week.

Usually, fantasy owners would be elated that the Rockies will be playing eight games in a week. Except, of course, if all eight of those games are actually being played in away parks. The Rockies close out the season with a four game series in San Francisco, followed by a four game set (including a doubleheader) in Phoenix. We know that on average, hitters hit batter at home than away. However, there’s usually no starker difference in performance than for Rockies hitters. This year remains a small sample size, but right now, the Rockies sport the second highest wOBA difference between home and away. They rank 12th best in home wOBA and 27th best in away wOBA. So the extra game, while typically a good thing, might not actually matter. If anything, it could hurt you with an extra 0-3.

That said, if you still want to add a Rockies hitter, Raimel Tapia has been playing every day and leading off and has stolen a handful of bases. But, just remember he owns a career .374 wOBA at home and a weak .253 mark away. Last, Kevin Pillar is the team’s newest outfielder to take time away from youngsters and has obviously proven a decent fantasy contributor on other teams, so perhaps the away from Coors effect won’t hit him just yet.

I mentioned Avisail Garcia during my last schedule write-up and he remains a pick, especially having led off for the Brewers for six straight games. Daniel Vogelbach is a perfect gamble in a week as he could easily knock three homers or so, but make sure to check the scheduled starters, as he’s not going to start against left-handers. I just discussed Jedd Gyorko as suddenly having an every day job and he looks rejuvenated with strong skills improvement.

I would guess that by now Brad Miller has been rostered, but if not, definitely add him for his eight game week. However, like Vogelbach, check his opposition as he won’t be starting against lefties. Harrison Bader was a pick in this 10 game week, but given he was already rested in Monday’s second game of the doubleheader, it’s clear he’s not truly an every single game player. So in just eight games next week, your alternatives needs to be replacement level or all have five game schedules to choose Bader.

It’s kind of funny that Asdrubal Cabrera has batted from the cleanup spot most often, but might as well take advantage, even when the lineup decision doesn’t make any sense. Cabrera’s skills have remained intact and his .256 BABIP should rebound. Eric Thames 테임즈 is another Vogelbach mirror image, hitting in the middle of the order, but only starting against right-handers. His power, though, has been surprisingly way down this year, so it’s fair to question whether it’s just a small sample fluke, result of a hidden injury, or decline for a 33-year-old.

Carter Kieboom finally playing nearly every day?! Well hallelujah! He has struck out too much, but that’s more because of being overly passive at the plate rather than swinging and missing often (better than league average SwStk%). He also hasn’t homered yet, or shown any power whatsoever, as he also has just one double, and sports a microscopic 0.13 ISO. Sure, he’s been a bust so far, but it’s only been 137 plate appearances, so give him some time. The minor league record is solid, albeit unspectacular.