The Daily Grind: Juicy, Middle-In Fastballs

There are some things you want to be juicy. Most cooked meat products. Watermelon. Fastballs (if you’re a hitter).

AGENDA

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

1. Rosey

How about this season for Eddie Rosario? I entered this year extremely skeptical about his ability to provide value at the MLB level. He looked like one of those weird fifth outfielders who doesn’t quite fit on an ideal roster because he can’t play center field. Now he looks like one of those 3.5 outfielders who can start but you prefer to hold as a frequently used backup. Anyway, here he is popping his 23rd home run.

I want to say a few words about this pitch, because what the hell!? The catcher asked for a juicy middle-in fastball. The pitcher perfectly executed the pitch call – he even pushed it a little farther inside than it was asked for. Predictably, the cookie left the yard.

2. Weather Reports

Thumbs up!

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Early Slate: Out of today’s pitchers, four of the six worst are a part of the three-game early contest. You’re left to choose between Luke Weaver, Drew Pomeranz, and a bunch of garbage. Behold said garbage…

Stack Targets: James Shields, Daniel Gossett, Chad Bell, Amir Garrett

Late Slate: From a pitching perspective, this is going to be an interesting main slate. Five guys cost between $9,000 and $10,800. Jose Berrios is the most expensive of the bunch. The volatile righty could provide anywhere from five to 35 DK points. Aside from one dominant outing against the White Sox, he’s been pretty bad in recent months. Berrios is opposed by an unimpressive Blue Jays lineup.

Tanner Roark is basically the high ERA version of Marcus Stroman. He consistently produces 20 to 25 points. His $10,200 is a little pricey, especially because I’m feeling a bit snakebit by the Braves offense. I’ve targeted them a few times recently only to receive third degree burns. Max Scherzer’s inability to throw strikes cost me a boat yesterday. Don’t let my skittishness affect your choices. You can also lean into it and try Mike Foltynewicz for $6,800.

Brad Peacock ($10,100) would be appropriately priced if he ever threw six innings. The Angels offense is deceptively difficult too. They’re a low strikeout unit.

Masahiro Tanaka is one of the many guys I can never get right. When I avoid him, he tosses a 46 point gem. When I use him, I get four points. I’m leaning towards using him tonight versus the Orioles. Maybe you should take a pass? As for actually objective analysis, has completely recovered from a shaky start to the season. There’s only one issue – 1.70 HR/9. He’s always been a little homer prone, but this is by far a career worst.

Josh Tomlin is the other expensive arm ($9,000). While I’m using him in traditional leagues, I don’t think he’ll supply enough strikeouts to be of value to DFS participants. Not at this price. Across the aisle, Jake Junis is baseball’s best chance to take the Indians down a peg. He just needs to throw more sliders than ever before, mwuhahaha! Junis costs $6,200 and should be expect to produce comparably to Tomlin.

Jose Urena is visiting Philadelphia. There’s a good chance he can tame the non-Hoskins elements of the Phillies lineup.

Stack Targets: Ricky Nolasco, Brett Anderson, Wade Miley, Seth Lugo, Jake Thompson

4. SaberSim Says…

Pomeranz, Tanaka, Weaver, Berrios, and Felix Hernandez are the top rated pitchers. With respect to the deposed king, Hernandez is unlikely to throw five innings today. Roark is next on the list. Hitters include Giancarlo Stanton, Nelson Cruz, Marcell Ozuna, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo. Miguel Cabrera, Guillermo Heredia, Brian Anderson, Freddy Galvis, and Tyler Naquin are among the top values.

5. The Daily Grind Invitational

Congrats to nicemamut for choosing the correct combination of Aaron Nola, Marcus Stroman, Mike Zunino, and Jean Segura. They provided the bulk of his production. Leaderboard.

Yup, we’re on DraftKings again.