The daily grind: 8-8-13

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

Pittsburgh could see late afternoon thunderstorms, which would affect the Pirates’ game with Miami.

Today’s grind

Aside from a couple good hitting match-ups, there is very little of interest happening today.

Tomorrow’s grind

The Twins and White Sox have a doubleheader tomorrow, so plan accordingly.

Pitcher (to start): I was hardly a first mover on Ivan Nova’s breakout, but it seems other owners have begun to take notice. He’s up to 41 percent owned thanks to a strong profile of whiffs, ground balls, and few walks. He should be owned outright and used for any match-up—including the Tigers tomorrow.

Scott Kazmir has posted elite numbers over his last nine outings, although the Angels could be a tough assignment.

Dan Haren is another formerly elite veteran who has looked great recently. He has a good match-up against the Phillies. I expect that Haren remains prone to the long ball, so use him only if you need to make up an innings deficit.

Brandon Beachy is at 38 percent owned despite poor results in his first two starts back from the disabled list. His stuff has appeared to be good, but he’s not throwing his slider. He’s opposed by the lowly Marlins, who have actually been deceptively decent since their terrible start.

I usually don’t like pitcher home/road splits because they’re such noisy samples, but in the case of Joe Saunders, I feel confident using him at Safeco against terrible lineups like the Brewers.

Pitcher (bum): Kyle Gibson has yet to piece things together at the big league level despite good stuff. The White Sox may be his best match-up yet, but until he shows sustained success he should be exploited.

Tomorrow marks Ryan Vogelsong’s return from the disabled list. He’s opposed by the Orioles.

Hitter (power): Justin Smoak remains an under-the-radar power option. His ownership has shot up recently to 15 percent.

The Rangers face lefty Erik Bedard, meaning Joey Butler gets recommended for the first time. It’s possible that Jeff Baker will start in his place despite being the less interesting player.

The White Sox will use two lefties, making it a great day to use Trevor Plouffe and Brian Dozier.

Across the diamond, the Twins’ use of two mediocre righties makes Conor Gillaspie a stretch option. Gordon Beckham and Josh Phegley are also worth looks if you need a middle infielder or catcher.

A Hardball Times Update
Goodbye for now.

Seth Smith and Brandon Moss haven’t received a recommendation in awhile. They face Esmil Rogers.

Hitter (speed): Also try Craig Gentry against Bedard.

Go ahead with Juan Pierre against Beachy.

Will Venable faces Bronson Arroyo.

Pitchers to come

Saturday: Alex Wood heads a deep list of options. A couple weeks ago, one of my league mates spent his entire FAAB budget on Danny Salazar. I had made a losing bid of $34. I responded by picking up Wood for free and have been happy with the move.

Sunday: Only 64 percent of leagues have an owner with the courage to use John Lackey. His ownership should be in the 90s. For those needing somebody more available, Jose Quintana faces the Twins.

Monday: 40 percent owned Ricky Nolasco draws the Mets and is currently the top option for Monday.

Noteworthy news

Carlos Gonzalez has landed on the disabled list, which will undoubtedly affect this column.


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Tom
10 years ago

Again, great job at giving us a heads up 3 days in advance. This is VERY useful. By the way Gee is facing a Lineup without Tulo or CarGo today for those who mighy have him available. How do you think that matchup ranks vs Haren or Wood over the next couple of days.

Tom
10 years ago

Update.. Gee is going against Manship. Basically it’s Colorado’s 4A club plus Cuddyer

Brad Johnson
10 years ago

Yea, that Gee outing is looking a LOT better than first glance. I’d still take Wood just because I think he’s going to be a true fantasy presence very soon if not already.

S. Urista
10 years ago

The Marlins are third-worst in runs scored and fourth-worst in batting average since the all-star break. Not sure if that qualifies as ‘deceptively decent’ or not.

Still taking Wood over some other good options (Wacha at home vs Cubs, Doubront at KC)