In most head-to-head leagues, the hierarchy is starting to form, and the top 6-8 are starting to separate themselves from the pack. A lot of this is as a result of people losing interest, transitioning to fantasy football, or just not tinkering with their team enough. It is easy to look at the big names that are not producing, I’m looking at you Michael Conforto, and do not want to drop them in case they heat back up. Let me be the first to tell you, keep tinkering.
Now, when I say keep tinkering, I don’t mean sit Jacob DeGrom, er, I mean Fernando Tatis, uh, I mean Ronald Acuna Jr…sigh…I guess what I am saying is that you don’t tinker with your studs, but feel free to rotate a piece or two out of your starting rotation bases on matchups, games played, etc. Hopefully, you have been doing this all season tho. Who am I kidding? If you are still reading this article 18 weeks later, you are definitely doing it! Take a lesson from the Texas Rangers and Mike Foltynewicz. He decided to tinker with his curveball after having a rough start to the season, and *checks note* actually has seen his ERA rise to 10.42 and his xFIP increase to 6.66. So maybe don’t tinker as much as Folty.
All this talk of Tinkering has me reminiscing of my younger years when Tinker Toys were all the rage. Sharp pointy stick scattered about the house, right next to my Jarts. The toys back then were so much more fun than the ones we have today, and by fun, I mean life-threatening. Speaking of life-threatening toys, there was a toy released in the 1950s called The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab. This “toy” was actually a real-life radioactive bearing Lab for children. It contained 4 samples of Uranium-bearing ores and a Geiger counter.
From the world’s most dangerous toy to the worlds’ most helpful Head to Head article, enjoy!
Runs/SB
Jo Adell, OF, LAA-32% rostered in Yahoo- It feels like many have soured after his first cup of coffee, but keep those grinds. They make great fertilizer, which is another name for what people were calling Adell after his way too short rookie appearance in 2020. In his 1st game, displayed why he has been one of the most highly sought-after prospects. Next week the Angels play 7 and will get to see a bevy of lefties. He should get at least one chance to run on Alejandro Kirk, which is a free pass to 2nd.
Gregory Polanco, OF, PIT-5% rostered in Yahoo- Has the curse been lifted and he is finally healthy *crosses fingers* rewarding patient fantasy manager? Yes, not plural. No one in their right mind has been that patient for 3 years, let alone two. Nevertheless, he hit well in July and has carried it into August. 3 Sb’s over the past 2 weeks and 13 on the year. If you need speed, he is available.
Rodolfo Castro, 2B, PIT-3% rostered in Yahoo- The everyday 2B for the Pirates with Frazier setting sail for SD. He has been hitting 2nd and had shown speed in the minors (6SB). Cardinals’ pitching has been erratic, to say the least, and Castro could feast off of the lefties that he is going to see. With the aforementioned Polanco hitting well as of late, there could be a chance to score some runs.
HR/RBI
Miguel Sano, 1B/3B, MIN-41% rostered in Yahoo- With Kiriloff and Cruz both out of the picture, Sano is receiving everyday ABs. Over the past 2 weeks, he has scored 10 runs, hit 2 HR’s, and driven in 7. It’s no coincidence that he has cut his k% down and increased his bb% over that time. Just appears to be in one of his hot schmotato streaks. Ride it while you can.
Abraham Toro, 2B/3B, SEA– 26% rostered in Yahoo- I was bullish on Toro when he was filling in for Alex Bregman. After the trade to Seattle, he has a hit in 7 of 8 games, 3 HRs, and 5 RBI. He is hitting in the middle of the lineup and he hits lefties well, who he might see a heavy dose of next week.
Miguel Cabrera, 1B/DH, DET-9% rostered in Yahoo- It’s so disappointing to see the final years’ of a great players’ career. Maybe he can finish this season strong? Either way, he is crushing over the past week 4/3/5/.474. He gets some tasty matchups against the Orioles and Indians.
Wins
Casey Mize, SP, DET– 50% rostered in Yahoo- Has been going deeper into games as of late. Last time out vs the Orioles on 7/29 he went 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 2 in the Win. He gets two starts this week against the Orioles and the Indians, or Pre-Guardians?
Adrian Houser, SP/RP, MLW-25% rostered in Yahoo- Just took a no-hit bid against the Pirates into the 7th inning, but the 5 walks and high pitch count cost him that opportunity, as did the inherited runner to score and a 4-0 lead being blown. Either way, Houser is lined up to start twice next week against the AAAA Cubs and another start against the Pirates. His last 2 starts against Pittsburgh have combined for 1 ER across 11.1 innings.
Logan Webb, SP, SFG-38% rostered in Yahoo- Gets to face Colorado. I could stop with that, but Grey pays me by the word in churros. Webb has seen his innings load increase over the last 3 starts and has been very effective. He should again attack the strike zone and limit walks.
Speculation and Saves
Kyle Finnegan-WSH- Still under 50% rostered. Is the Closer. Do 50% of the people play in non-save leagues?
Dylan Floro-MIA-21% rostered. There was talk it could be Bender, but Floro has gotten the last chances and has converted.
Tyler Clippard-ARI-14% rostered. No more Soria. Clippard is the Closer.
Michael Lorenzen-CIN-3% rostered. Hembree has been scored on in his last 4 appearances. Lorenzen might be the best chance at saves. I didn’t think that “Spin-cinatti” was going to refer to the closer carousel.
