The Daily Grind: Obi Juan Soto Part Two

It’s weird that we still watch baseball from the center fielder’s perspective (if said CF was shifted towards the left center gap). We have the technology to watch from the umpire’s perspective. Shouldn’t we?

Specifically, I’m thinking about this GIF which looks WAY different from the other perspective. Functionally the same but experientially reversed.

Congrats to Adam Ottavino for winning our Nastiest GIF of the First Quarter Tournament! Here’s the winning Slider that beat out Aroldis Chapman’s 100mph heater. pic.twitter.com/zBaEMgUTXK

— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) June 13, 2018

AGENDA

1. TDG Invitational
2. Weather Reports
3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse
4. SaberSim Says…
5. These Are Not The Strikes You’re Looking For

1. The Daily Grind Invitational

It was a low scoring contest yesterday with bwilley1023 outlasting the field. Trevor Bauer was his top point scorer, although Andrew McCutchen was probably most responsible for the victory. Congrats and Leaderboard.

We have a 40 entry no rake GPP on FantasyDraft tonight. Single entry this time. I’ve told them that a 40/single entry contest (40 users) is functionally larger than a 52/double entry contest (between 26 and 52 users). I guess they don’t agree. In any case, I expect a whomper of an overlay 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

Thumbs up.

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Early Slate: Four games are early. Justin Verlander is obviously the top pitcher of the slate. And for $25,800, you’re paying accordingly. The Astros offense is also my pick for top stack although other touts may lean in a different direction. Frankie Montas ($14,700) is actually the third priciest arm of the bunch, but I just can’t see his low strikeout, hard contact approach working versus the Astros.

Mike Clevinger ($18,400) is a lovely consolation prize to Verlander. He should record about a strikeout per inning versus the White Sox. While it’s not a foolproof matchup, that’s priced into his, uh, price. Carlos Rodon ($12,600) is Clevinger’s opponent. I love this price point even with a tough pairing versus the Indians. Rodon has considerable ceiling.

Speaking of lovely prices, Vince Velasquez for $13,600 feels like an absurd steal. The Rockies aren’t especially dangerous at sea level – even at Citizen’s Bank Park. Velasquez fires up over a punch out per inning with otherwise volatile production. If Velasquez doesn’t feel right, you can bet on German Marquez ($10,100) continuing to dominate at non-Coors venues.

I didn’t mention Lance Lynn ($13,900) or Michael Fulmer ($10,900) but they also exist in a usable state.

Stack Targets: Montas, Lynn

Main Slate: Four games are late. Blake Snell draws top billing in a matchup against the Yankees. Ick. The only positive thing I can say is that his $21,600 price tag should depress his ownership. Although he’s probably the most talented pitcher in the slate, it’s tough to look past those Bomber Bats. You’d think that would push me towards Domingo German ($13,000), but I just don’t think he’s a starter. The game is at Yankee Stadium.

I do like Tyson Ross ($16,200) versus the Braves. It’s a roughly neutral matchup for a pitcher who usually lasts six innings. Anibal Sanchez perhaps deserves a little more credit than a $10,900 salary. After all, he is opposed by the strikeout prone Padres. That said, I total expect BABIP regression and more home runs tonight.

David Price ($16,900) should have the highest ownership rate. The recommendation is similar to Ross – Price usually throws six or more “not bad” innings. He may no longer be an ace, but he’s still a wily, capable veteran. The same cannot be said of Felix Hernandez ($11,000).

Matt Koch ($11,700) is pretty bad despite solid results. Jason Vargas ($8,300) has actually pitched decently in recent weeks despite bad results. The Diamondbacks have one of the better offenses against left-handed pitching. It’ll be tricky to wade into this one.

Stack Targets: Vargas, Sanchez, Hernandez, Koch, German

Oh boy…

4. SaberSim Says…

Verlander, Clevinger, German, Sanchez, and Price are the top rated pitchers between the two slates. Interesting choice with German. Perhaps overweighting the relief innings. Sanchez, Vargas, and German are the bargain plays. Bats include Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Michael Conforto, Freddie Freeman, and Jose Ramirez. SaberSim is unafraid of Snell it would seem. Value picks are Conforto, Brandon Guyer, and choose-your-own-scrub.

5. These Are Not The Strikes You’re Looking For

When the Nationals called up 19-year-old phenom Obi Juan Soto from Double-A, it was supposed to be temporary. Let’s just say… he belongs. Juan Soto : Vladimir Guerrero :: Mike Trout : Bryce Harper. Don’t @ me.

I have more to say about Soto and the Nationals outfield situation on my personal blog.

I never understood why this wasn’t more common. Not every game or anything, but it should be something we see about once every three or four days. I once pitched four times in the same game.

He’s supposed to live on low pitches.