The Daily Grind: Reader Leagues, Boyd, Straily

Agenda

1. Program Notes
2. Reader Leagues?
3. Daily DFS – Boyd
4. GB / FB Splits
5. Tomorrow’s Targets – Straily, Kendrick, Orioles, Hernandez

1. Program Notes

If you’re reading this around publish time, the present author is presently driving somewhere along Interstates 85 or 95. As such, certain features like the Factor Grid are offline today. The aforementioned author will also be driving tomorrow morning and next Tuesday. Travel may also affect the availability of GB/FB splits.

2. Reader Leagues?

Yesterday, I solicited applications for an open spot in my home league. Frankly, I anticipated something like seven or 12 responses. Instead, I received over 30 inquiries. I know I promised to respond to each applicant, but I’ve decided to respond here in bulk. The position has been filled. If it was you, welcome to the league.

Given the rabid interest in joining my keeper league, I wanted to gauge interest in half-season redraft readers leagues. I’d like to host a 12-team, roto auction. I’ve also sent an inquiry to my RotoGraphs colleagues to see if they’d like to host a similar league. Details are sketchy right now. If you’re interested, please let me know via the comments so I can anticipate demand.

It’s my intention to hold a draft next Wednesday at 8:00 ET. Presumably, my colleagues will offer different times if they choose to participate. Some my prefer snake drafts (I definitely want an auction). I’ll possibly have more information available tomorrow including some form of sign-up sheet.

3. Daily DFS – Boyd

Yesterday’s Grind

Early: Both time periods are a mess for pitching. The early group is filled with elite hurlers. Corey Kluber, Jake Arrieta, Jacob deGrom, Jose Fernandez, and Francisco Liriano. Only one thing is for certain – Kyle Ryan is the worst pitcher. Or maybe it’s Matt Moore or Matt Cain. So much for certainty. I’m glad my road trip prevents me from participating.

Late: Max Scherzer costs $14,500 on DraftKings. He’s $12,500 on FanDuel. He’ll probably pitch very well against the Braves, but you’ll have to punt your entire offense.

Instead, you can go in the complete opposite direction and roster Oil Can Boyd (by which I mean Matt Boyd). The Blue Jays are opposed by Wade Miley and the Red Sox. Toronto will probably provide Boyd with a ton of offensive support. He need only pitch five innings to post 10 or more FanDuel points. He’s super cheap on both sites ($5,300 FanDuel, $4,400 DraftKings). He’s capable of recording a strikeout per inning with a low walk rate. I expect 80% of Scherzer’s point total for one-third of the price.

Stack Targets: Cain, Moore, Ryan, Miley, Kevin Gausman, Manny Banuelos, Tim Cooney, Chris Rusin, Roenis Elias

4. GB / FB Splits

The following hitters are recommended based on the works of Shane Tourtellotte and Dan Fansworth. They show ground ball hitters perform better against fly ball pitchers and vice versa. Using three-year values for hitter OPS and pitcher GB%, here are today’s top recommendations. Use this link for Jeff’s full list.

Splits. We have them here.

Christian Yelich vs Matt Cain
Jose Bautista vs Wade Miley
Matt Wieters vs Yovani Gallardo
Carlos Santana vs Matt Moore

5. Tomorrow’s Targets – Straily, Kendrick, Orioles, Hernandez

Pitchers to Start: The Astros have recalled Dan Straily. The righty has a solid arsenal. He’s solved Triple-A a few times now, but he’s failed to stick in the majors. This season, he posted 8.11 K/9, 1.62 BB/9, and a 4.06 ERA in 14 starts. So long as he controls his walk rate, he should be a solid fantasy pitcher. Tomorrow he’s opposed by Justin Masterson. The Astros should slay him.

Also consider: Chase Anderson

Pitchers to Exploit: There are one or two guys to exploit tomorrow. Well, roughly 15 actually. Kyle Kendrick has a 6.07 ERA, 6.28 FIP, and 5.08 xFIP. It’s probably fair to say he’s the worst starter in the league. Coors Field doesn’t help his numbers. Tomorrow’s contest is at Chase Field, but I still anticipate another meltdown.

Also consider: Donn Roach, Tom Koehler, Jake Peavy, Justin Masterson, Michael Lorenzen, Kevin Correia, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, John Danks, Tommy Milone, Jeremy Guthrie

Hitters (power): The Orioles have a couple freely available righties against John Danks. Nolan Arenado and Steve Pearce both have the platoon advantage against one of the worst pitchers in the league.

Also consider: David Peralta, Mark Canha, Josh Phegley, Eddie Rosario, Melky Cabrera, Matt Joyce, Kelly Johnson, Gerardo Parra, Preston Tucker

Hitters (speed): Prior to yesterday, Cesar Hernandez had stolen six bases in the last week. He’s batting second for a pitiful Phillies roster. If he reaches base, he seems likely to run.

Also consider: Adam Eaton, Jace Peterson, Danny Espinosa