The Daily Grind: 9-22-14

Agenda

1. Probable Pitchers
2. Daily DFS
3. Tuesday Picks
4. Table

1. Probable Pitchers

I created some color coded probable pitcher grids for the next three days. I’ll be publishing the rest on Wednesday or Thursday. Go at ’em.

2. Daily DFS

Yesterday’s Grind

We have 11 games tonight.

Danny Duffy might not last very long depending on how healthy he feels. The Royals have a good bullpen and must win every game possible, so I expect them to act aggressively. That may open unusual opportunities, or it may not.

J.A. Happ typically works as an stackable pitcher. He’ll face a lefty heavy Mariners offense, which should tilt the advantage in Happ’s favor (slightly).

Chris Bassitt versus Kyle Lobstein might be the best game for stacking. They play at neutral Comerica Park. Both pitchers should eventually settle in as reliable major leaguers, they just aren’t there yet.

Travis Wood draws a decent Cardinals lineup at Busch Stadium. The matchup itself isn’t terrible, Wood’s just quite mediocre and occasionally flubs a start.

Ricky Nolasco would be somebody to target if he weren’t facing the Diamondbacks at Target Field. Even so…

I’m torn whether to start or exploit Tyler Matzek against the Padres. I think you can justify going in either direction, although the opposing lineup and ball park work in his favor. Eric Stults is definitely a pitcher to exploit, even though he has the same advantages as Matzek.

3. Tuesday Picks

Pitchers to Start: Brandon McCarthy has a winnable matchup against a powerhouse lineup at a tiny field. That’s just one of three factors in his favor. Personally, I’ll still be using McCarthy, but I see justification for skipping the start too. I’m going to hope the Orioles take the game lightly and rest a few particularly potent bats.

Danny Salazar has mostly pitched well in his latest rotation bid. His pitching style reminds me of Zack Wheeler in that he often needs too many pitches to get through innings. He’ll need to learn to induce some quick and easy outs at some stage of his career. The Royals make for an iffy opponent.

Clay Buchholz wins the award for most befuddling season. I’ve definitely done some self-sabotage trying to predict when Buchholz would dominate. The matchup seems fine – the last time he saw the Rays he three hit them.

Henderson Alvarez is fine if you’re protecting ratios. Against Cole Hamels, a win is unlikely.

I expect a really boring pitchers duel between Jorge de la Rosa and Robbie Erlin.

Pitchers to Exploit: Ubaldo Jimenez survived his return to the rotation by allowing only two hits through five innings. Don’t get to optimistic, he also walked four. The inconsistent righty will be pitching at Yankee Stadium.

Scott Carroll is a swingman. A good roto-assassin will mercilessly target swingmen. Incidentally, swingmen should not be confused with swingers.

Ranger du Jour – Nick Martinez: A fluffy serving of five runs served on a lightly toasted baguette.

Having never watched him pitch, I don’t really know much about Andrew Chafin. I do know my overwhelming reaction upon reading his stats – MEH!

Wade LeBlanc could be the catalyst that saves the Athletics offense (and season). Although, they did get blanked by Jerome Williams. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that I could hit Williams. (could is a wonderful word).

Hitters (power): The Athletics have a special stack including Derek Norris, Jonny Gomes, Nate Freiman, and others. It has not performed well recently.

Trevor Plouffe has a fun last name. Plouffe. Also, the platoon advantage!

Matt Joyce hasn’t provided much excellence this year, but he exists and will see Carroll.

Hitters (speed): More Stubbs, Drew Stubbs. Also Josh Rutledge?

Arismendy Alcantara and Chris Coghlan seem like fine gambles against Shelby Miller.

Perhaps Robbie Grossman will do some damage against Martinez.

4. Table

The table below indicates which stadiums have the best conditions for hitters today. The color coding is a classic stoplight where green equals go for hitters. The weather conditions are from SI Weather’s home run app. A 10/10 means great atmospheric conditions for home runs. A 1/10 means lousy atmospheric conditions.

It’s a crisp, clear autumn evening with game time temperatures in the 60’s.

The Link. It’s getting pretty cool, so we should expect a slight drop in weather aided home runs.

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