Daily Joust: The Weekend Ahead
June 1st, 2012 | by Ray Flowers |
It’s Friday, and that means a couple of things. First, the weekend is nearly upon us (thank goodness). Second, it’s time to get your drink on. Third, it’s time to get ready for your weekend of fantasy baseball with DailyJoust.com.
For those of you unaware of just what DailyJoust is and what the offer, click on the link to BBGuys Partners with DailyJoust. The bottom line is DJ allows you the chance to play daily fantasy baseball, choose a team today an another one tomorrow if you want, all the while giving you the chance to make some real money. Today, I’ll give some advice on how you might choose to fill out your lineup for Friday or Saturday.
HITTERS – FRIDAY
Brandon Phillips vs. J.A. Happ: Just like Uggla below, Phillips doesn’t have much of a track record against the pitcher he is facing. At the same time, what he has done is hard to ignore. In nine at-bats Phillips has five hits leading to a .556 batting average against Happ. Three of those five hits were dingers, and that has helped to push his RBI total top five in this tasty matchup.
Ryan Theriot vs. Paul Maholm: Looking for an under the radar play on Friday? If you are, it would be wise to look to the Giants’ Theriot who has had quite an extensive run of success against the lefty with the Cubs. Theriot has hit .343 with a .410 OBP in 35 at-bats against Maholm over 35 at-bats.
Dan Uggla vs. Stephen Strasburg: How in the world could I suggest starting a guy against a pitcher who has a 2.64 ERA, 1.10 WHIP an a 10.86 K/9 mark? It’s been a mere eight at-bats but Uggla has had phenomenal success against the righty from Washington with six hits including two homers leading to seven RBI. Pretty darn amazing.
PITCHERS – FRIDAY
Wade Miley vs. Padres: The young lefty has held his own and then some through 10 appearances this year as he has gone 6-1 with a 2.41 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He still has a poor 2.00 K/BB ratio, that 5.50 K/9 mark is weak, and two homers in 52.1 innings – let’s just say that isn’t likely to continue. Still, in this matchup against the Padres in Petco, it’s lock and load time.
Felipe Paulino vs. Athletics: The A’s have a historically bad offense, an I’m not making that up. Paulino has a 2.03 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 34 Ks through 31.1 innings this season. Moreover, three of his five outings this year he has held the opponent scoreless. I’m going to ignore his lone performance against the A’s last September 5th (4.1 IP, 6 ER).
Randy Wolf vs. Pirates: Why not complete the trifecta of starters against the worst offenses in baseball? Wolf has struggled this year big time (5.73 ERA, 1.67 WHIP), but he has looked better of late allowing three or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. He’s also facing a Pirates club that he has gone 9-3 against in his career with 112 Ks in 124 innings. Plus, the club from Pittsburgh has the lowest average in the NL (.218), the worst OBP in baseball (.272) and has scored 17 runs less than any other club in the game (147).
HITTERS – SATURDAY
Ryan Ludwick vs. Wandy Rodriguez: Wandy has pitched well this season, and the perception is that Ludwick has really struggled this year. The truth is in the middle perhaps. Ludwick has had a lot of success against Wandy with two homer an a .314 batting average in 35 at-bats against the lefty and he’s also gone deep twice while knocking in eight runners in his last eight games.
Hanley Ramirez vs. Cole Hamels: HanRam has barely been a .250 hitter since the start of the 2011 season and he’s also hit a mere .264 against Hamels in 53 at-bats in the match up. Why in the world would I suggest paying close attention to Hanley on Friday then? Of the 14 hits that Hanley has against the lefty Ramirez has 10 doubles. Ten. That’s a pace for 100 doubles over 530 at-bats. Wow is right. Is it a stretch to think that he could lift one of those pitches into the seats?
Ichiro Suzuki vs. Gavin Floyd: Ichiro has struggled this year, at least when compared to his previous levels of excellence, but he’s pretty much looked very much like the guy we saw for most of 2011. Middling. Still, Ichiro has a track record of success against Floyd as he has hit .361 in 36 at-bats. Given that Floyd has also allowed 21 runs in his last 14.2 innings it would seem like a pretty good time to trust Ichiro.
PITCHERS – SATURDAY
Mat Latos vs. Astros: Latos has been uneven this year, all those that own him understand that, but he’s won his last four decisions and has allowed three or fewer runs in four of his last five outings during which time his ERA has gone down from 5.97 to 4.58. He’s also struck out 18 batters while issuing only four walks in his last three starts, so as long as he can keep the ball in the park – he allowed an amazing five homers in his last start – he should have a solid outing against an Astros club that he is 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP against in his career.
Ricky Nolasco vs. Phillies: Off the top it sounds a bit crazy, but think about it. Nolasco will be facing a Phillies club without Howard/Utley, Jimmy Rollins can barely hit his way out of a papersack right now, and Carlos Ruiz is less than 100 percent physically. There’s also the fact that Nolasco has long had success against the club from Philly going 6-4 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 83.2 innings.
Edinson Volquez vs. D’backs: Volquez pitches at home Saturday, and he’s had a ton of success there this season even though his record is 1-3 (3.19 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 42 Ks in 42.1 innings). He faces a D’backs club that he held to two runs in seven innings in his second start of the year, and in his career he has 28 punchouts in 24.1 innings against the club from Arizona. He’s also allowed three or fewer runs in nine of his 11 starts this season. It’s not always pretty, sometimes he has trouble throwing strikes, but he has been able to limit the damage, for the most part, in his first year in San Diego.
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By Ray Flowers
Tags: Brandon Phillips, Dan Uggla, Edinson Volquez, Felipe Paulino, Hanley Ramirez, Ichiro Suzuki, Mat Latos, Randy Wolf, Ricky Nolasco, Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Theriot, Wade Miley
By Daniel on Jun 1, 2012
Hey Ray,
Would you start Capuano at Colorado tonight?
By greg on Jun 1, 2012
To the guy above, I’m sitting the Cap. Rox too hot.
Ray – CBS just said Soriano will keep the closer job and he’s been lights out. Would you drop D-Rob then to stash Bonifacio, Crawford or Howard? 10-teamer and if so, which stash? Thanks!
By CB on Jun 1, 2012
Hey Ray-
Im in a 12 team 5×5 head to head mixed league.I have a chance to get Tulo for jeter, Ricky Romero, and Brian Fuentes. I know I also have to take tulo’s injury into account, but hopefully he won’t be out for too long. I have 3 other closers, so getting rid of Fuentes wouldn’t hurt too much. And I would probably replace Romero with edinson volquez. Do you think this is too much to give up, or would you do the trade for Tulo?
Thanks
By brad on Jun 1, 2012
would you trade dunn for stubbs? or would you trade dunn for chris found and d young?
By Matt K on Jun 1, 2012
Ray, what do you think about Lowe’s start today and what are your thoughts about P.J. walters going forward?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
Matt K – I know its his b-day, but I want nothing to do with Derek Lowe.
Walters is an AL only option at best.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
Brad – Help me out here amigo – Chris Found?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
CB – get Tulo for jeter, Ricky Romero, and Brian Fuentes.
That’s too much for me. Jeter is a top-10 SS, Romero should be a solid #3 SP, and Fuentes is currently closing. If Tulo was healthy OK, but it’s on lock he will be 100% in two weeks, or that this, or some other injury, won’t continue to slow him.
However, you add Volquez and who else in the open spot?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
Greg – Here is the report on Soriano. While it does say Soriano should be the closer, it’s actually pretty vague: http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-heyman/19226775/rafael-soriano-will-keep-closer-job-even-after-robertson-returns
Still, I’m not going to doubt it though I would say this – what if Soriano goes in the tank the next two weeks before Robertson returns?
Still, in a 10 team lg, you dont need to hold on to setup men.
Still, I don’t like stashing players in a 10 tm lg., especially if they are hurt. If I was choosing one I’d go Crawford.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
Daniel – Capuano has had a ton of success against the Rockies :http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7132
Still, I would pass. They are hot, even without Tulo, and beat up on Norris last night.
By Steve on Jun 1, 2012
Ray,
Chris Sale for Evan Longoria?
I have Billy Butler, Dunn, and Tex at CI, but am hoping Dunn plays the OF during the next round of interleague play. Then, once Longoria comes back, I’m hoping I can slot him in at CI and Dunn in the OF. What do you think of the deal?
My strategy is unorthodox, but it’s gotten me to 2nd place. I’m punting Wins and Ks, but am shooting for 1st in Saves, WHIP, and ERA, which I’ve almost accomplished (3 pts away). This is to strengthen my offense, which I’m 6 pts away from. If I am able to do this, I’ll all but gaurantee $$$ finish with good odds of winning.
By CB on Jun 1, 2012
Ray-
I would probably also add Scott diamond and Add scutaro or peralta while Tulo is on the dl…
By Sherm on Jun 1, 2012
Should I trade Angel Pagan for Jacoby Ellsbury straight up for the rest of this year only? I have a somewhat deep OF. Pagan has been pretty good recently, but the upside with a healthy Ellsbury is high. I can stash him on the DL until he is healthy, but will he get healthy? We’re not talking about the Iron Horse here.
Thanks
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
CB – Pass on the deal. You just dont get enough in return.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2012
Sherm – Angel Pagan for Jacoby Ellsbury
Saying you have somewhat deep OF, then I do this, add Ellsbury, and hope he gets back soon.
By Jay on Jun 1, 2012
Hi Ray – just curious if the additional $5 bounty is still on the table in the DJ freeroll.
By Nick on Jun 1, 2012
I offered R. Zimmerman/Romo for Fowler/Wandy. I have Freese. Fair deal? Thanks
By brad on Jun 1, 2012
do you think ichiro and jd mmartinez for dunn is a fair trade. i would be getting ichiro and jd martinez im in 15 team league.
By Chase on Jun 1, 2012
Hey ray I was offered josh Johnson and allen Craig for Dan haren and jarrod Parker. Craig is eligible at 2b and I just had Pedroia go down with injury. Noticed josh Johnson’s schedule looks pretty rough over the next month or so. It’s a 12 tm h2h league and I also have Greinke wainwright Dan Hudson Scherzer and dickey. Should I pull the trigger? Thanks
By El burro on Jun 2, 2012
Hi Ray,
I’m finally getting healthy… Morse and Jennings seem to be coming back into the mix shortly. Knock on wood. As such, I’m going to have a little roster flexibility and would like your take..
14 team, 6×6 OPS, redraft league.
Question#1. Of the following available injured/ AAA free agents, how would you rank these as having the biggest impact for ROS in 2012. I can make room or 1 of these guys in my UTIL spot:
Lance Berkman
Nolan Reimold
Brian Roberts
Adam Lind
Question#2. Would you drop either Ike Davis, JD Martinez, Delmon Young or Fatt Adams for any of the above or HOLD? I’m thinking with Craig coming back, Adams may lose time and relevancy.
Question#3. any thoughts on eta of Hultzen call up? I’m considering stashing him (already have Bauer and Oswalt waiting in wings) but would have to drop Liriano, who I grabbed after this weeks faux gem vs Oak…
Appreciate your take.
Thx
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Jay – I will ask for you.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Nick – I offered R. Zimmerman/Romo for Fowler/Wandy. I have Freese. Fair deal?
Wandy has way more value than Romo – unless Casilla is going to miss time with that leg injury. Then Romo, who has his own knee issue, would fly up in value.
Zimmerman would have been the more highly sought after guy two weeks ago. Now, with his massive week, its closer.
If I was the Fowler/Wandy guy, I’d turn this down.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Brad – ichiro and jd mmartinez for dunn is a fair trade in 15 tm lg
If you need depth in the OF, deal is OK. At same time, Ichiro is no longer the player he once was. JDM has been white hot, then awful. Neither one is a diff maker. Dunn is. Don’t forget, you would also have to drop another guy to even this out, so it’s even worse actually.
By jon on Jun 2, 2012
Hey Ray – you think A-Gon/Bourn is a kingly enough return for CarGo in an AVG/OPS league? thanks
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Chase – I was offered josh Johnson and allen Craig for Dan haren and jarrod Parker
I’d rather have Haren. I like JJ, but give me Haren.
Craig is a better option than Parker, but… see – http://www.rotoinfo.com/blog/fantasy-baseball-the-on-deck-circle-06012012.html
Also, Pedroia may not need DL stint – https://twitter.com/IanMBrowne/status/208940826129207298
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
El burro – Here goes.
#1 – Berkman, Roberts, Lind, Reimold
#2 – Adams likely to play until Berkman is back. Dont see an obvious move.
#3 – Hutlzen is killing it right now, but remember, just Double-A. Also, that 4.29 BB/9 mark isn’t great. I’d put his call up at months, not weeks, if I had to guess.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Jon you think A-Gon/Bourn is a kingly enough return for CarGo
Yes.
You get a top-10 first baseman, at worst, and Bourn is likely to be the only guy in baseball with 50 SB and 100 runs. I’d do the deal.
By Doug on Jun 2, 2012
Hi Ray,
I need some trade help. I was offered Gallardo, Alex Gordon, and Frieri for my Scherzer, Crawford, and Cespedes. I’m in a shallow 10 mixed roto so my outfield is stacked with the Arizona Upton, Holliday, Choo, CarGo, and De Aza. My other pitching consists of Grienke, Hudson, Kennedy, Moore and Holland. I could use some save help and I like the more consistent Gallardo. Also, what are your thoughts on Gordon ROTW?
Thanks for your insight!
Doug
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Jay – YES. Either on the $250 or $50 Friday Freerolls.
By Bob on Jun 2, 2012
Would you rather take Hanson or scherzer in a h2h 12 tm league? League includes CG, BB, and k/9. I see that Hanson’s got the AL east the next month so that’s kind of scary
By Ray Flowers on Jun 2, 2012
Bob – I view them as being on the same tier. However, when you talk about K/9 being a category, how can you pass up on Scherzer who leads baseball in that category?
By Allen on Jun 3, 2012
How would you rank the following in a k/9 league rotw? Josh Johnson, tommy hanson, Dan Hudson, and Adam wainwright. Thanks ray
By Ray Flowers on Jun 3, 2012
Allen – All of these arms seem to be settling into a similar area. I’d rank them, keeping in mind that there is more to it than just K/9:
Johnson, Hanson, Wainwright, Hudson
By JoeM on Jun 3, 2012
Amazing call on Hanley Saturday night.. Wtg man, once again you deliver on statistical projections..
By Ray Flowers on Jun 3, 2012
JoeM- Every squirrel finds his but every once in a while.