Here we are, the penultimate Monday edition of Razzball does Draft. But don’t let that get you down — look on the bright side. We’ve still got two more weeks, and the pennant races mean we get some of the best baseball yet.
Taking on the Rangers puts a pitcher in a favorable spot. Texas has been known to whiff on many occasions, which is always good for fantasy. With Tyler Glasnow, the strikeout potential is always there, and I love it. He has a top-prospect pedigree and is finally getting a chance to stretch his legs and show what he can do with the Rays. That makes Glasnow my favorite value pitcher to turn in a winning performance and fill up your glass.
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Joe Musgrove, SP: This starts with him taking the mound for the Pirates. They’ve been playing great and that puts him in a fantastic position to succeed. Plus, he’s been pitching pretty well, with 34 Ks in 29 innings. He’s not exactly an under-the-radar pick, but he’s still not the sexiest name, and you may be able to snag him at the turn.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP: Let’s pick on the Rockies, shall we. Away from the friendly confines of Coors field, they have a tendency to struggle offensively. That makes them a great candidate to target for your pitching needs. Ryu has been posting more than a K an inning, and that’s always exciting.
Andrew Suarez, SP: You may have noticed a trend by now: we’re picking on weak offenses. That continues with Suarez as he takes on the Padres. That’s what we’re really excited about, as he has solid numbers on the year and the Giants have struggled at the plate. A win is in play, but don’t be expecting it. What he should give you is a stable floor from which you can build a great offense.
Alex Bregman, IF: What more do you want from him? He’s taken that next step this season and has become one of the game’s young stars. To that end he’s launched 30 bombs with a cool 100 RBIs and an average approaching .300. That makes him a top end option on the day, batting in a prime spot in the Astros’ lineup.
Travis Shaw, IF: The average isn’t pretty, hovering in the mid .200s, but the power has been nice. Hittertron rates him as a high-end option on the day, and I think he’ll be available later on in your draft.
Joe Panik, IF: It’s time to Panik. This is an upside pick that the robot loves. The Giants should have their chances against the Padres and I like Panik as a late-round guy who could put your roster over the top.
Matt Duffy, IF: Here’s another under-the-radar guy that the robot loves. I like the average and the match-up. Duffy is another guy to be aware of with your last pick; someone who could give you solid production.
Bryce Harper, OF: He’s playing for that $400 million he wants in the offseason. He’s been playing better of late even as the Nationals have faltered as a team, and I expect him to pour it on. His window of opportunity is closing to justify that insane amount and he needs to finish strong. If that’s not incentive enough to go ham, I don’t know what is.
Starling Marte, OF: Is Starling a star? He certainly has his moments, but he has been plagued by an inability to put it all together for an entire season. This year is no different, but he has a favorable match-up today against the Royals. That puts him in play for us. Trust in the upside.
Mallex Smith, OF: Speed, speed, speed. Mallex has become everything we hoped Billy Hamilton would be. He’s a terror on the base paths and, most importantly, he can actually get on base. As with Duffy, I don’t expect Texas will be able to contain him.
Eddie Rosario, OF: One of the bright spots on the Twins’ season has been Eddie Money, who has picked up where he left off last season. His breakout campaign makes him an excellent candidate for daily fantasy and he shouldn’t command a top pick, which only boosts his value. He has a great opportunity to continue putting up numbers against Detroit today.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
The trend of summer thunder continues in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Hopefully the Royals and Pirates can get their game in before the storm hits. For the Jays and Orioles, the storm should be lightening up prior to gametime, but that could result in sloppy field conditions or a delay.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Give me the over on Cincy and Milwaukee, because I don’t trust either of the starting pitchers and I’d like to see some fireworks.
