Oh, hello there, likely corporate professional who’s working and definitely not wasting company resources. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Roto-Wan, like Obi-Wan, but good at fantasy stuff as opposed to good in fantasy stuff. Let’s get squared away for the day on Draft.com. What I enjoy most about Draft is that you get to actually roster your favorite players, like Mike Trout, as opposed to staring at their salary and wondering how many Alex Gordons it would take to fit him in. Mike Trout is good. Having him in your lineup is good. You like good things. You can also have a good pitcher and there’s three of them today (Chris Sale, for example: more on him in a bit). The rotations have turned over and aces are back in the deck. Bring on the sequels.
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Chris Sale, SP: Early. The size of your draft dictates how early to take pitching. There are options below Sale, so he’s not a must-own, but it’s close. He profiles to strikeout the most batters with 14.9 SwStr% (in 2017). Should he spin a gem, it’s going to take a significant amount of scoring from your hitters to overcome an opponent getting that boost. Boston is also the largest favorite of the day at -260.
Justin Verlander, SP: Early. Verlander was good enough opening day, though perhaps a touch shy of dominant. He doesn’t need to be, with the best offense in baseball backing him. Wins are awarded the most points, so chase them. The Orioles offense is also quite bad. They have tons of power, in between 0-4 days. It’s possible today is the day they go off, but I doubt it. If you miss out on Sale, consider moving JV to the top of your queue. He’s the number two pitcher on Rudy’s Optimzatronamajig for a reason (Have you subscribed to Rudy’s tools yet? Try the 3-day free trial if not).
Clayton Kershaw, SP: Middle. Putting Kershaw in the Middle tier is cheating a tad. I think there’s enough concern about the Dodger offense to warrant it. Kershaw also showed a dip in fastball velocity in his opening day start. Although there was talk that all pitchers in that game showed velo dips, so what up, radar gun dude? Maybe Clayton can tame the Chase Field humidor, which seems to be resulting in more dongs instead of the intended fewer. All kidding aside, Kershaw being able to grip a baseball better is an interesting proposition.
Jon Lester, SP: Late. What? I said Late. This one is solely chasing that sweet W with some hopeful Ks behind it. The Cubs offense will always give their pitchers a good chance at a Win.
Kris Bryant, IF: Early. Speaking of that offense, Kris Bryant is its engine. There are plenty of parts, but he makes it go. Good on-base skills (2017 .409 OBP) provide an excellent floor for fantasy. That he’s hitting in Great American Smallpark against a lefty (.554 career SLG vs. LHP) gets my juices going. The Reds bullpen has been one of the worst for a few seasons now, as well. I like him just as much with bad middle relievers throwing him some BP.
Rafael Devers, IF: Middle. Man, can Jose Urena serve up a gopher ball. At least when he isn’t hitting batters, that is. Devers hits the ball rather hard, as evidenced by his 96 MPH average exit velocity this season. That can get out anywhere, even Marlins Park. I tend to like having one hitter stack in a plus game. Devers should be available after your top hitter and pitcher to pair with another good Boston bat.
Travis Shaw, IF: Late. Shaw is such an underrated fantasy asset. The bulk of his worth derives from calling Miller Park home with its LHB Park Factor of 122 (via FanGraphs, 100 being neutral). The third baseman brings a touch of speed to the table as well. Craig Counsell does love basepath aggression.
J.D. Martinez, OF: Early. Boston’s big Free-Agent has a great shot at getting his first homer as a Red Sock off of the aforementioned Urena. That is if the Marlins staff doesn’t walk him five times. Their pen struggles with BB%. Walks aren’t sexy, but they add up. I’m always after floor with my early picks.
George Springer, OF: Middle. There are so many Astros in great spots every day that guys like Springer often slip further than they should. Leading off with the conga line of great hitters following him tends to equal good fantasy opportunities for Springer. There aren’t many power profiles out of the leadoff spot, which is also nice. Hitting first obviously gets him the most team at-bats.
Adam Eaton, OF: Late. No one is hotter than Adam Eaton at the moment. It’s almost unfair that he gets to travel to Sun Trust park in Atlanta and hit left-handed for the Nats next series. There is the chance he goes yard; however, I want to employ him here as a late pick who can rack up points from getting on base. Runs will be scored in Cincy today, oh yes.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Keep an eye on the two New York games as the last bit of balmy weather rolls out. The Yankees-Rays game is an early start time, so it has more risk of delay/interruption.
Doing Lines In Vegas
I’m quite interested in the OVER for the Phillies-Mets at 8 runs. Ben Lively and Matt Harvey do not inspire confidence in a pitchers’ duel, and both offenses have shown a good amount of improvement out of the gate this season.
