The Daily Grind: DFS, Streaming, and More for June 10

Agenda

1. Draft!
2. The Daily Grind Invitational and Leaderboard
3. Daily DFS
4. SaberSim Observations
5. Tomorrow’s Targets
6. Factor Grid

1. Draft!

If the Reds didn’t already have a solid third baseman, I’d say second overall pick Nick Senzel could see some late season action. If memory serves, Ryan Zimmerman was the last third baseman to be drafted and reach the majors in the same season. That feat is more often accomplished by pitchers. None of the hurlers in the current class looks like a lock to reach the majors next season, let alone this year. History tells us that someone will do it – at least as a reliever – but it’s hard to handicap who it will be.

Fifth overall pick Corey Ray and 11th overall Kyle Lewis could also move quickly with debuts in late 2017 possible. From my perspective, that’s about all there is in the instant gratification department. The Phillies will be extremely fortunate if first overall pick Mickey Moniak is knocking on the door in three years.

2. The Daily Grind Invitational and Leaderboard

It was a low octane day on the DFS front. Chris Davis provided the big thump while Adam Wainwright’s tepid line was good enough for top pitcher. Kidzero leverage the pair plus a range of decent performances into a first place finish. Congrats. The leaderboard is updated.

We’ll return to FanDuel tonight for 15-game action. As usual, it’s $2 and 20 users. See ya there.

3. Daily DFS 

Yesterday’s Grind

 

It’s Clayton Kershaw day as part of this 15 game evening slate. Kershaw has been out of his mind this year and will be well worth the $13,100 price of admission. The Giants tend to play him tough. I hear Madison Bumgarner is playing first base and batting cleanup tonight. The Giants are actually calling upon their other ace, Johnny Cueto

Stephen Strasburg has the dream matchup against the Phillies. His calf cramped up on him last week, ruining an otherwise stellar performance (10 strikeouts in 5.1 innings). The Phillies don’t hit righties and nobody hits Strasburg.

Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, Gerrit Cole, and Mat Harvey are also available in this slate. Fee-fi-fo-fum.

Look past the aces to also pricey righty Jason Hammel. He has the much coveted Bravos matchup, and the slate should keep his ownership rate constrained. Few pitchers come with a 45 FanDuel point floor.

You desire a bargain so as to stack high price hitters on a day in which they’ll be under-represented? Junior Guerra is your dude. The Mets aren’t so scary these days with everybody in the lineup either cold, hurt, or both. Guerra’s a relatively safe bet for a quality start. If Harvey turns pumpkin again, he could sneak a win too. The upside is seven innings, six strikeouts, one run, and the doubleyou. That’s 48 points on the cheap. Of course, the downside is something like 15 points.

Stack Targets: Bud Norris, Tyler Duffey, Justin Nicolino, Mike Pelfrey, Anthony DeSclafani, Andrew Cashner, CC Sabathia, Michael Wacha, Hector Santiago, Derek Holland, Jon Gray, Sonny Gray

4. SaberSim Observations

SaberSim confirms that Kershaw is otherworldly. He’s projected for six more FanDuel points than second ranked Strasburg. As for Strasburgh, he’s 11 points higher than fifth ranked Cole. Lance McCullers and Chris sale rank third and fourth respectively.

The stacks include the Coors game, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Cubs, Mets, and Orioles. SaberSim doesn’t care for my recommendation of Guerra.

5. Tomorrow’s Targets 

Pitchers to Start: In Tuesday’s chat, I advised caution when using James Paxton against any real offense (like the Rangers). Nor do I believe you should sell the farm for his newfound velocity. Perhaps it escaped your attention, but Paxton is always hurt. However, after repeated beatings (i.e. reading dozens of articles), I’ll rubber stamp Paxton’s golden arm.

I still think Shoemaker’s golem arm makes the better play tomorrow. What is a golem arm you ask? *crickets*

Also consider: Eduardo Rodriguez, Logan Verrett, Matt Shoemaker, Trevor Bauer

Pitchers to Exploit: Erik Johnson joined the National League just in time to debut at Coors Field. Helluva way to welcome a fella to your org. “Hey new guy, I challenge you to escape three innings at Coors.” Andrew Cashner laughs maniacally in the background. Glass houses Cashner, you’re pitching tonight.

Also consider: Mike Wright, Chris Young, Kyle Gibson, Wily Peralta, Matt Wisler, Kevin Graveman, Dan Straily, Mike Fiers, Justin Verlander, Francisco Liriano, Colby Lewis, Zack Godley, Tyler Chatwood

Hitters (power): You know what they say – where there’s Smoak, there’s the rest of the Toronto lineup posing menacingly. The Blue Jays have a bafflingly middle of the pack 95 wRC+. Don’t be led astray, this is still a top five offense in baseball. The funk will end. When it does, Smoak and his .261/.359/.420 line will benefit by association. Also, Wright is terrible at the major league pitcher thing.

Also consider: Seth Smith, Adam Lind, Logan Morrison, Jon Jay, Brett Wallace, Danny Valencia, Chris Coghlan, Robbie Grossman, Justin Smoak

Hitters (speed): Tyler Naquin has shown more power than speed in the majors, but that’s the reverse of his actual profile. He’ll eventually steal a base. The Angels have done well holding runners and gunning them down. I hope you don’t actually need steals tomorrow.

Also consider: Jimmy Rollins, Joey Rickard, Whit Merrifield

6. The Factor Grid

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.

Informal poll, does anybody actually use the weather ratings?

The Link.

It’s been over a month since somebody complained about the words at the end of this post. These very words hereabouts.