The Daily Grind: Players’ Weekend Cometh

Players’ Weekend Cometh? The only thing that cometh is the nightman.

AGENDA

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

1. Players’ Weekend

The upcoming weekend is for the players, which means fans can buy new jerseys and hats. I’m also told that fighting will be allowed so long as it’s between two players. That means no throwing Don Zimmer to the ground Pedro. Too bad yesterday’s shenanigans weren’t tomorrow.

In all seriousness, I always wonder how suspensions for these wide scale brawls will shake out. From the Yankees side, you’re probably looking at some time lost for Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, Tommy Kahnle, and Dellin Betances at the very least. Possibly others. The Tigers may get hit harder, but they aren’t fighting for a playoff spot.

2. Weather Reports

All Clear!

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Main Slate: Zack Greinke, Justin Verlander, and Jacob deGrom are the big names this evening. Jose Quintana is priced like a big name, but he sure hasn’t performed like one. Greinke’s turned in a few too many clunkers for me to feel comfortable with his $12,600 price tag. However, a matchup against the lowly Giants is certainly promising. Verlander is visiting used-to-be US Cellular Park. That’s another enticing pairing. He’s been rolling 30 DK point games with regularity. Expect him to be the most popular arm. deGrom may be a decent contrarian play versus a Harper-less Nationals offfense.

Rick Porcello generally offers a high floor and low ceiling. He usually operates in the 18 to 22 point range with remarkable consistency. He’ll host the Orioles.

J.A. Happ has pitched better in recent outings. A matchup against the Twins isn’t overly concerning. Their offense resembles a poor man’s version of the Brewers. Some days they’ll dismantle the competition, but they’re just as likely to help them.

For a high risk, high reward option, try Adam Conley hosting the Padres. Because the Padres are bad. Conley has pitched well since returning from injury some 44 innings ago. “Well” includes three outings above 25 points and four outings below 10 points. Like I said, high risk, high reward.

Jerad Eickhoff has a similar profile except he costs a measly $5,900. He tends to be less volatile than Conley too. On the downside, the Cubs are a much trickier opponent than the Pads.

It should be noted that Julio Teheran wrecked the Rockies when he visited Coors Field. He gets a rematch at sea level where they’re arguably the worst offensive club. Teheran’s had another miserable season, but there have been bright spots too.

Stack Targets: Nick Martinez, Ryan Merritt, Ty Blach, Ariel Miranda, Jeremy Hellickson, Robert Stephenson, Bartolo Colon, Kendall Graveman, Parker Bridwell, Travis Wood, A.J. Cole, Miguel Gonzalez, Jason Vargas

4. SaberSim Says…

Verlander, Quintana, Greinke, Happ, and deGrom are the top rated pitchers tonght. With respect to Quintana, I’m not sure SaberSim realizes that the Phillies have a legitimately solid offense these days. Top bats include Paul Goldschmidt, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and J.D. Martinez with Jose Pirela, Miguel Cabrera, Jose Bautista, Kendrys Morales, and Andrew McCutchen representing notable bargains.

5.. The Daily Grind Invitational

We fell one short of a full contest yesterday so ben10hiz earns the dubious honor of winning. A mixture of Carlos Martinez plus steady production from others was the key to victory.

I feel like breaking our usual cycle and playing DraftKings tonight. So let’s do that.