The daily grind: 8-2-13

The Daily Grind provides daily match-up advice for tinkerers and daily fantasy players. I welcome advice to help make this column more effective, including notice of impending weather events, new injuries, and changes to platoon situations. Ownership rates are from Yahoo!

The daily picks are a mixture of Daily League specific advice and information for the more typical fantasy owner.

Today’s weather watch

Chicago (NL) is likely to see thunderstorms today while Detroit has a lesser chance of being interrupted by storms.

Today’s grind

Today includes plenty of adequate pitching options.

Tomorrow’s grind

Pitcher (to start): Despite blowing up in his return from the disabled list, Brandon Beachy is an intriguing option against the Phillies. Currently 41 percent owned, Beachy presents a risky combination of rust and good stuff. He generated 11 whiffs in his last outing, which works out to an elite 13 percent whiff rate. Obviously small sample size applies, but it’s a hopeful sign that he can be more like the borderline elite pitcher he was in 2011 than the merely adequate guy we saw in 2012. And yes, I know that his 2012 season included a 2.00 ERA, but his xFIP graded out at 4.14 compared to 3.16 the previous season.

Felix Doubront continues to be a strong waiver wire option. The Diamondbacks aren’t the easiest of match-ups, especially with Patrick Corbin on the mound to limit the Red Sox attack. Doubront’s velocity continues to be a point of concern, but I doubt anyone out in readerland is investing in him long term.

Readers may have noticed that I’ve been mentioning Zach McAllister all week long as the pick for today. The general expectations for McAllister are similar to Doubront, except he does it with fewer strikeouts and walks. He faces the Marlins this week—hence the strong recommendation.

When push came to shove, I selected Dan Haren over McAllister, Doubront and Erik Bedard for my own rosters. I have difficulty discounting Haren’s excellent strikeout to walk ratio and I see no reason to fear the Brewers’ mangled assault.

Speaking of Bedard, he’s been pitching much more Bedard-like recently. He’s still an Astro and therefore not worth owning in most leagues, but he faces the lowly Twins tomorrow.

Tony Cingrani is somehow only 52 percent owned despite excellent results. Perhaps savvy owners are seeing past the surface level numbers? In any case, he’s worth owning in many leagues. You may want to pass on tomorrow’s match-up with the Cardinals.

I’ve been excited about Ivan Nova for some time now but haven’t gotten a chance to really share why. He’s now my top pick for tomorrow thanks to an improving profile. He’s generated more whiffs this season, which has translated into a strikeout per inning (9 K/9) and tolerable walk rate (3 BB/9). To sweeten the pot, he’s 32 percent owned and will face the Padres.

Pitcher (bum): If the Cubs were a better team, I would recommend against Chris Capuano more strongly. There should be a few hitters available for the match-up, so I’ll mention it.

The Tigers have some stout right-handed bats that should enjoy teeing off against John Danks.

Esmil Rogers has struggled in four of his last five outings. It’s a bit stunning how year after year, the Blue Jays have to turn to fringe major league players to deliver over 10 starts.

Hitter (power): Kyle Gibson has all the makings of a fine major league pitcher, but he isn’t there yet. So for the time being, take advantage by using Brett Wallace or Robbie Grossman.

Brian Dozier isn’t a bad choice for a middle infield spot start against Bedard.

A Hardball Times Update
Goodbye for now.

You can try Jonny Gomes against the seemingly unstoppable Corbin. Just remind yourself that Corbin’s excellent 2.24 ERA is backed by a 3.42 xFIP—which is still mighty good but not elite.

Hitter (speed): I mentioned J.B. Shuck the other day as a player to watch. Now you have a chance to use him against Rogers.

Go ahead and try Jonathan Villar against Gibson for steals.

Pitchers to come

Sunday: I’m still picking Phil Hughes from a very deep field of options, but Alex Wood is a strong contender.

Monday: The smoke really hasn’t cleared on Monday yet—there are quite a few TBA still listed. Jose Quintana against the Yankees is my current favorite since the Bombers struggle against lefties.

Tuesday: Of the currently listed pitchers (16 are currently TBA), Zack Wheeler versus Tyler Chatwood and Edwin Jackson versus Kyle Kendrick seem to hold promise. I’ll tentatively select Wheeler coming off a strong start, but if I were to go purely on expected results, I suspect Jackson is the correct answer.

Noteworthy news

Suspensions for players linked to Biogenesis are expected “soon.” Originally, that expectation was for today, but it sounds like it’s now Monday. I’m pretty sure those expectations are entirely the result of speculation.


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Anthony
10 years ago

Looking for a pitcher to stream tonight in an AL only roto league.  Do you prefer Deduno vs HOU, Ubaldo @ MIA, or Cosart @ MIN?  Really need a win, but don’t want to destroy my ratios either.

Longer term, while I wait for Buchholz to come back, would you take one of those 3, or Garret Richards? 

Finally, Justin Smoak or Chris Carter ROS?  Thanks!

Will H.
10 years ago

I’ve been scarred enough by Haren these last two seasons that I’m starting to buy his batted ball numbers more than his K/BB, so even Braun-less MIL at home (a bit of a hitter’s park) is a no-go for me… but I wouldn’t be stunned to be wrong. Just annoyed.

Brad Johnson
10 years ago

It doesn’t help that I just happen to watch him when he looks very sharp. When I don’t watch him, he implodes. I’m not going to be watching him tomorrow so maybe stay away smile

Anthony – Smoak RoS but pay attention to playing time with Morse back.

Of the 3 pitchers you named, their outcomes should be fairly similar based on their match-ups and skill sets. I would lean Ubaldo for the 1 off match-up. Don’t plan to take any of them RoS. Stream the spot or wait for somebody better.

riley
10 years ago

Jake Peavy is starting for the Red Sox saturday, not Doubront

Eric Dykstra
10 years ago

Thoughts on Farquhar maybe taking the closer role in Seattle? He’s been super elite