The Daily Grind: For Whom The Bell Tolls

For whom does the bell toll? Cubbieblues.

AGENDA

1. TDG Invitational
2. Weather Reports
3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse
4. SaberSim Says…
5. Cookies

1.The Daily Grind Invitational

Josh rang the Bell three times to fuel cubbieblues victory. Jeff Samardzija and Eugenio Suarez also helped. Congrats and Leaderboard.

I had Bell and Suarez in my original lineup along with Justin Upton. They were replaced with Ji-Man Choi, Brandon Low, and Franmil Reyes. That’s a net loss of 61 points made by “fixing” my roster. Grumble. (I would have only finished fifth)

You know how it works on Tuesdays – a massive 15-game contest on FantasyDraft. We had a huge overlay yesterday so let’s rebound tonight.

If you have not signed up for FantasyDraft, please use this referral link for tracking purposes. If I understand properly, by using the referral, you will receive a 10 percent return on any rakes you pay.

2. Weather Reports

While pop up showers are possible in a few venues, there aren’t any risks worthy of comment.

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Trevor Bauer ($22,300) heads the price list amidst a visit to Kansas City. I don’t have any fancy analysis here. He’s definitely taken a step backwards this year which I’m inclined to pin upon the new baseball. A win bonus is likely.

Another probable winner is Patrick Corbin versus the Marlins. He’ll run you a cool $21,500. He posted 33.35 points against the fishies last week. Zac Gallen ($15,100) is massively overpriced by at least $3,000.

If recent outings are any sign, the real Aaron Nola ($20,600) might be back. The Braves aren’t an ideal matchup, but at least the game is at SunTrust Park. His opponent, Dallas Keuchel ($16,000) is probably months from finding his stride.

We talked about Mike Minor ($20,300) yesterday. I thought his lofty price tag was fueled by the weird slate. He still costs WAY too much. Griffin Canning ($16,300) is very reasonably priced versus a surprisingly difficult Rangers offense.

Matt Boyd ($19,300) has a favorable matchup against the injury-stricken White Sox. They’re a low walk, high strikeout, volatile offense. Boyd piled up nine strikeouts the only time he faced them this season. Reynaldo Lopez ($11,300) is cringe-worthy. However, he’s reasonably priced opposite the pitiful Detroit offense.

James Paxton ($16,700) seems to be in some kind of slump. Even so, he’s MUCH more attractive tonight than Zack Wheeler ($18,700). And $2,000 cheaper! Paxton looks like a better play for strikeouts, run prevention, and innings.

The Blue Jays are weak against left-handed pitchers. The Red Sox choose David Price. He throws changeup. It’s super effective! Price ($17,500) doesn’t always deliver the goods. He does usually furnish his owners with 20 or more points.

Despite frequent failings, Jack Flaherty’s stuff and price tag are so enticing that I keep going back to the well. This time, he’s visiting a trade-depleted Mariners offense. He costs just $14,900.

Ross Stripling ($15,200) is a trap. He’s only stretched out for a four inning outing at best.

For some reason, FDraft doesn’t list Charlie Morton ($20,200) as a starter tonight. They’ve made a few such mistakes in recent days. Hosting the Orioles has all the telltale signs of a contest-leading point total.

Favorite Plays: Corbin, Morton, Boyd, Price, Flaherty

Stack Targets: Jakob Junis, Lopez, German Marquez, Tanner Roark, Matt Carasiti, Chase Anderson, Joe Musgrove, Tyler Beede, Taylor Clarke

I usually don’t stack against Marquez at Coors Field. He usually isn’t pitching against the Astros.

4. SaberSim Says…

Morton does indeed lead the projection list by nearly 20% over the next-best choice. He’s followed by Bauer, Boyd, Corbin, and… Wheeler? You’re more than welcome to try to tame that Yankees offense. I ain’t touching it. Lopez, Matt Strahm (also not listed by FDraft), Morton, Flaherty, and Musgrove are the best values. Strahm is hosting the lowly Giants and thus should have been included above. I missed that he was missing. Don’t be offput by the Giants beating up Logan Allen. He’s only half a Strahm.

Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Rafael Devers, Charlie Blackmon, and Mookie Betts lead the way with Jose Rondon, Yadiel Rivera, Starlin Castro, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Jeff Mathis serving as bargains.

5.Cookies

Well, those were three cookies.

That must be Carlos Santana because it was soooo smooth.

I really like Cavan Biggio. I’m trying to sneaky acquire him in a deep dynasty by “hiding” him in my attempt to land Giancarlo Stanton.