The Daily Grind: Twitchy?

I have a question for you to answer today. Will you answer my question?

AGENDA

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

1. Twitch

It occurred to me yesterday – mostly because I saw somebody doing it – that I could use twitch to live stream my DFS roster picks. If there is a certain volume of interest, I’ll look into setting it up. Here’s a poll.

Would you watch a twitch stream of me setting DFS lineups or hunting for waiver wire fodder?

— Brad Johnson (@BaseballATeam) June 27, 2017

2. Weather Reports

Boston may be stormy around the start of the game, but it’s supposed to clear out. The rest of the league should be dry or nearly so.

3. Pitchers to Use and Abuse

Main Slate: It’s a full 15 game mega-contest. Max Scherzer headlines the fun with an outing against the Cubs. He’s well worth his $13,000 on DraftKings. Scherzer is locked in a battle of aces with Jake Arrieta. The Cubs erstwhile stud is only $7,500 due to the unfavorable pairing and inconsistent results.

Carlos Martinez is tempting, but a visit to the desert is worrisome. It’s also worth noting that CMart usually throws 100 or fewer pitches, limiting his ability to pitch deep into a game while racking up strikeouts. He has to be very efficient.

Luis Severino will face the White Sox – one of the worst offenses against right-handed pitching. Jeff Hoffman is visiting the Giants – the very worst offense versus righties. And AT&T Park is a tasty bonus for Hoffman. Who else is facing a bad offense? Oh, right. Sean Newcomb will take the bump at Petco Park. He’s had mixed results through a couple starts.

James Paxton was god for awhile. Then, he went on the disabled list and returned as mere mortal. The Phillies offer a chance to get back on track. It’s a high volatility play.

For steady production, try Dan Straily. He’ll probably receive run support opposite Robert Gsellman. Justin Verlander may avoid the home runs versus a mostly punch-less Royals lineup.

There’s a whole slew of other playable arms – Mike Clevinger, Joe Biagini, Aaron Nola, Drew Pomeranz, Sean Manaea, and Mike Fiers to name a few.

Stack Targets: Matt Cain, Hector Santiago, Matt Strahm, Trevor Williams, Jesse Chavez, Tyson Ross, Tim Adleman, Gsellman, Kevin Gausman

4. Hitters to Use

James McCann is usually quite good against left-handed pitchers. That means McCann will start against the Royals. Look for anybody who might swipe a base.

Eric Thames is back in a homer slump which might mean your rivals have forgotten his explosive power. I’d try him against the Reds. I probably wouldn’t do a full Brewers stack, but many of them work great as volatile patches.

Cody Bellinger won’t stop hitting bombs. For that reason, he costs $5,600. Even so, a Dodgers stack versus Chavez is advisable.

Brian Dozier has been an auto-play against left-handed pitching for a handful of seasons. He’ll see Pomeranz at Fenway. I like that he’ll be swinging at the short porch. Miguel Sano and Robbie Grossman are also of interest.

Gimme shares of Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Lonnie Chisenhall, and other Indians. Go on, give ’em to me.

I want to watch Josh Donaldson hit against Gausman tonight. That should lead to fun times. Keep an eye on Kevin Pillar. He could swipe some bases.

5. SaberSim Says…

Scherzer, Paxton, Severino, Newcomb, and Verlander are the top listed pitchers. CMart is projected to be the worst value in the entire content. Not sure I agree. Hitters include Mookie Betts, Ryan Braun, Hanley Ramirez, Eric Thames, and Miguel Cabrera. Aside from Betts, I prefer others tonight.

6. The Daily Grind Invitational

Congrats to sawyer77 on his balanced, Chris Sale-led 194.4 points. Only Brian Goodwin was a dud. Here’s the leaderboard.

Tuesday is a DraftKings day.