The Daily Grind: Deadline Done

While on vacation, my laptop’s AC adapter caught fire. I ordered a new one way back on July 11, but it hasn’t come yet. I’ve since ordered a used one from eBay. For now, I’m working on an old desktop. I hate the keyboard. That is all. Or not. Perhaps I have more to say. You’re probably wondering why you read any of that. Or why you’re still reading. They say you should delete the first one or two sentences from your introductory paragraphs. Whoever “they” are. I don’t think this paragraph would make sense if I followed their instructions. Not that it makes much sense as it is…

AGENDA

1. Deadline Roundups
2. Weather Reports
3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse
4. SaberSim Says…
5. TDG Invitational Returns!

1. Deadline Roundups

I could write a whole bunch of words about the trade deadline, or I can just point to the work of Justin Mason, Benjamin Pasinkoff, Paul Sporer, and Jeff Zimmerman.

2. Weather Reports

Nearly all 15 games are clear. There’s a small chance for sunny San Diego to receive some rain tonight.

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Main Slate: Max Scherzer and Chris Sale lead the charge this evening. Scherzer has a tasty matchup versus Chris O’Grady in what should be an easy win. Sale figures to have an uphill battle versus Carlos Carrasco and the Indians. This may not be the day to pony up for the big boys.

Speaking of uphill battles, Chris Archer has a special skill. It’s not winning games despite ace-like numbers. Today, he’ll have to overcome the Astros juggernaut and a resurgent Mike Fiers.

Marcus Stroman is the third most expensive pitcher on DraftKings. While I like his matchup versus the White Sox and Mike Pelfrey, the cost ($11,000) is just a tad excessive.

Aaron Nola is in monster mode. Meanwhile, the Phillies offense is one of the 10 best since the start of July. Perhaps they’re finally starting to click. He should get some run support opposite Ricky Nolasco. ‘Ware the DH.

The list keeps going! Carlos Martinez is visiting Jimmy Nelson. They’ve both highly talented pitchers on extremely affordable contracts. Martinez is $8,800 while Nelson is just $7,800.

Jeff Samardzija is a FIP darling this season, although his actual run prevention has left much to be desired. There’s always a chance he’ll fire a complete game shutout with over 10 strikeouts. Or maybe he’ll ruin your night. Or, the most likely outcome, he’ll be merely decent. Shark is opposed by the Athletics.

Jose Berrios has a gimme matchup against the Padres at Petco Park. Recently, he’s had some trouble against a couple very good offenses (Astros and Dodgers). Tonight should be a rebound day.

Lucas Sims may be much better than his $4,600 price tag. He has the stuff to post a strikeout per inning. The big question revolves around his walk rate. Prior to this season, he averaged around 6.00 BB/9 in the minors. Thus far in 2017, he has a sub-3.00 BB/9 at Triple-A. I expect the poor command to return in the majors.

Stack Targets: Nick Martinez, Homer Bailey, O’Grady, Pelfrey, Erasmo Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jeff Hoffman, Steven Matz, Nolasco

4. SaberSim Says…

Scherzer, Sale, Archer, Berrios, and Jon Lester are the top rated hurlers for this evening. I’m little surprised to see Berrios on the list, and I’m just a tad wary of Lester versus the Diamondbacks.

The big bats are Yoenis Cespedes, Nolan Arenado, Michael Conforto, Nelson Cruz, and Jay Bruce. Coors Field baby. Values include Zack Granite, Adam Jones, Cespedes, and Hunter Pence.

5. The Daily Grind Invitational

Many congrats to kingtrout for finding the winning combination of Marcus Semien and Derek Fisher. It didn’t hurt to get solid production from everybody else except Jose Bautista and Khris Davis. Leaderboard.

We’re on DraftKings tonight. Unlike on FanDuel, these things disappear if they don’t fill. So please fill it.