The Daily Grind: 8-7-2014 — Presented by FanDuel

Agenda

1. Rambling
2. Daily DFS
3. Tomorrow
4. Chart/Weather

1. Rambling

When I did Draftstreet posts four times per week, I liked to start each column off with some sort of a statistical note. Today, let’s begin with Jose Abreu. Abreu’s current wOBA of .415 has only been bested by four rookies since 1965 (minimum 400 PA). That’s extremely impressive, and considering his draft position this year, extremely valuable. Read August Fagerstrom now, if you haven’t.

2. Daily DFS

Early:

Jacob deGrom and Jordan Zimmermann is the best pitching match-up in the games above. deGrom’s performance thus far has been fantastic, and considering the Nationals offense has struggled versus right handed pitching all season, I see no reason why he can’t continue his success today.

Rick Porcello’s groundball rate should work well for him today.

Jake Peavy hasn’t been good this season. The Milwaukee Brewers’ offense has been. Only four parks have a higher HR park factor than Miller Park.

Yohan Flande is also pretty bad. And he’s pitching in Colorado’s thin air. Target away. (weather pending)

Late:

The Orioles are a top 10 offense versus left handed pitching; they get J.A. Happ tonight.

Vidal Nuno’s flyball tendencies will be on display tonight in Arizona. The Royals don’t leave the yard often, but there aren’t many pitchers that surrender long balls like Nuno. (1.59 HR/9)

C.J. Wilson will look to right his personal vessel tonight. In his last ten starts he has a 7.21 ERA, backed up by a 5.42 FIP. His command has deserted him and he’s paid the price.

3. Tomorrow

Pitcher(s) to Start:

Mike Leake just keeps plugging along. Leake’s improved upon his two main rate stats – K% and BB% – this season. No one strikes out more against right handed pitching than the Marlins.

Pitchers to Exploit:

Nathan Eovaldi’s struggles have been pronounced lately; he’s posted an ERA near five in his last twelve. Use predominantly left handed batters versus him.

Justin Masterson’s move to the NL should help him, but he’s facing an AL squad tomorrow in Baltimore. The Orioles haven’t crushed right handed pitching, but they still have plenty of nice options versus Masterson.

Chase Anderson is also a pitcher that can likely be targeted. Brett Talley wrote him up in depth here.

4. Table/Weather

Like Brett, I’m unsure what all goes into Brad’s chart, so here is the one I used to use for Draftstreet in order to have all of the starting pitchers in one place. The data used is from 2013 and this season. For the most part, the weather should be good today. Colorado and St. Louis might see some issues. It’s probably best to stay away from St.Louis-Boston today.

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